DOJ Sues Connecticut, New Haven Over Sanctuary Policies

Federal lawsuit targets state's Trust Act and city's Welcoming City order limiting cooperation with immigration enforcement.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:09am

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A heavily textured, abstract painting of a government building in shades of navy, gray, and red, with the facade repeated in overlapping, fractured geometric shapes, conveying a sense of tension and conflict over immigration policies.A legal battle over immigration enforcement pits federal authority against state and local sanctuary policies.New Haven Today

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against the state of Connecticut and the city of New Haven over their sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The DOJ alleges the policies, including Connecticut's Trust Act and a New Haven executive order, conflict with federal immigration law and the U.S. Constitution's Supremacy Clause.

Why it matters

The lawsuit represents an ongoing clash between the federal government and state/local jurisdictions over immigration enforcement, with the DOJ arguing sanctuary policies undermine federal authority while Connecticut and New Haven officials defend the policies as protecting public safety and residents' rights.

The details

The DOJ complaint targets Connecticut's Trust Act, which limits when law enforcement can detain individuals based on civil immigration detainers, as well as a 2020 New Haven executive order that restricts disclosure of personal information and immigration status. The DOJ claims these policies obstruct federal immigration enforcement efforts.

  • The Trust Act was amended in 2025.
  • The New Haven executive order was issued in 2020.

The players

U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)

The federal agency that filed the lawsuit against Connecticut and New Haven over their sanctuary policies.

Connecticut

The state being sued by the DOJ over its Trust Act and other sanctuary policies.

Ned Lamont

The governor of Connecticut who is named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

William Tong

The attorney general of Connecticut who is named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

City of New Haven

The city being sued by the DOJ over its Welcoming City executive order and other sanctuary policies.

Justin Elicker

The mayor of New Haven who is named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

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What they’re saying

“For years, Connecticut communities have paid the price of these misguided sanctuary policies. This lawsuit seeks to end such open defiance of federal law.”

— Brett Shumate, Assistant Attorney General, DOJ Civil Division

“The sovereign people of Connecticut have exercised our right to pass state laws like the Trust Act that prioritize public safety and ensure that all people can trust and rely on law enforcement to keep us safe. 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, Connecticut Attorney General

“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. Our laws do not prevent federal authorities from enforcing immigration law. Rather, they reflect a longstanding principle: the federal government cannot require states to use their personnel or resources to carry out federal enforcement responsibilities.”

— Ned Lamont, Governor of Connecticut

“Our Welcoming City policy is not only a legally sound policy that is compliant with all local, state and federal law, it's also a practical policy that helps keep our residents and community safe. Sadly, but unsurprisingly, the Trump Administration's lawsuit contains inaccuracies and untruths about New Haven's Welcoming City executive order. We are confident we are on the right side of the law—and, equally important, we are confident we are on the right side of history.”

— Justin Elicker, Mayor of New Haven

What’s next

The lawsuit will now proceed through the federal court system, with Connecticut and New Haven expected to vigorously defend their sanctuary policies against the DOJ's legal challenge.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing battle between the federal government and state/local jurisdictions over immigration enforcement, with both sides claiming they are upholding the law and protecting public safety. The outcome could have significant implications for the future of sanctuary policies nationwide.