Connecticut Officials Condemn Trump Lawsuit Over Immigration Policies

The lawsuit targets New Haven and the state's 'sanctuary' policies, which officials say are legal and protect public safety.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 9:13pm

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A dimly lit government building or courthouse, its facade cast in dramatic shadows and warm, golden light, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the weight of legal and political disputes.The legal battle over Connecticut's immigration policies reflects the complex tensions between federal, state, and local authorities.New Haven Today

Several Connecticut officials, including the governor, attorney general, and New Haven mayor, are condemning a lawsuit filed by the Trump administration that challenges the state and city's 'sanctuary' immigration policies. The officials argue the policies are legal, protect public safety, and reflect the state's responsibility to govern responsibly and uphold the rights of all residents.

Why it matters

This lawsuit is the latest clash between the Trump administration and state and local governments over immigration enforcement. It highlights the ongoing tensions between federal, state, and local authorities over their respective roles and responsibilities when it comes to immigration policy.

The details

The U.S. Department of Justice filed the lawsuit, claiming New Haven and Connecticut's sanctuary policies interfere with federal immigration enforcement. However, officials argue the policies are legally sound, keep communities safe, and do not prevent federal authorities from enforcing immigration law. They say the policies reflect principles of state and local autonomy, and that the federal government cannot require states to use their resources for federal enforcement.

  • The lawsuit was filed by the DOJ this week.

The players

Ned Lamont

The Governor of Connecticut, who has pledged to vigorously defend the state's laws against the federal government's complaints.

William Tong

The Attorney General of Connecticut, who stressed that the state's policies honor and respect immigrant workers and families.

Justin Elicker

The Mayor of New Haven, who emphasized that the city is committed to ensuring all residents feel safe and that violent criminals will be arrested regardless of immigration status.

John Larson

A U.S. Representative from Connecticut, who called the lawsuit an example of the Trump administration's 'weaponization of the justice system'.

Brett Shuamate

An Assistant Attorney General in the DOJ's Civil Division, who called the state and city's sanctuary policies 'misguided' and said the lawsuit seeks to 'end such open defiance of federal law'.

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What they’re saying

“We're committed to ensuring all 'New Haveners' feel safe calling the police, seeking medical care, sending their kids to school and accessing other critical public services.”

— Justin Elicker, Mayor of New Haven

“It is a shame that the President and the Department of Justice are not focused on public safety but are wasting federal resources on attacking Connecticut with a baseless lawsuit that has no foundation in law or fact.”

— William Tong, Attorney General of Connecticut

“Our Trust Act and related policies are consistent with the Constitution and reflect our responsibility to govern responsibly, protect public safety and uphold the rights of all residents.”

— Ned Lamont, Governor of Connecticut

“The real lawlessness here is the President's transformation of federal immigration enforcement into his own secret police force. On his watch, agents have executed citizens in our streets, snatched mothers from their children in communities right here in our state and threatened peaceful protesters with excessive force across the country.”

— John Larson, U.S. Representative from Connecticut

“This lawsuit seeks to end such open defiance of federal law.”

— Brett Shuamate, Assistant Attorney General, DOJ Civil Division

What’s next

The state and city are expected to vigorously defend their policies in court against the federal government's lawsuit.

The takeaway

This clash over immigration policies highlights the ongoing tensions between federal, state, and local authorities, as well as the broader debate over the role of sanctuary cities and the balance between public safety and immigration enforcement.