BOSTON— The political storm surrounding Boston's sanctuary city policy just reached a fever pitch as Mayor Michelle Wu's administration moved to dismiss a federal lawsuit challenging the Trust Act. Reports indicate that the federal government, led by the Department of Justice, filed the lawsuit claiming Boston's stance obstructs immigration enforcement.

In a bold defense, Boston's motion argues that the Trust Act is constitutionally protected. The city maintains that it prioritizes criminal law enforcement and does not conflict with federal law, stating, "The Trust Act requires the Boston Police Department to prioritize criminal law enforcement, while leaving civil immigration enforcement to federal officials."

The lawsuit, filed last week, targets not only the city but also Mayor Wu, Police Commissioner Michael Cox, and the Boston Police Department. The DOJ claims that Boston cannot obstruct federal immigration laws, a point the city vehemently contests, noting that similar cases in Illinois and New Jersey have been dismissed for failing to state a claim.

According to the city's legal filings, the Trust Act has crucially protected public safety, ensuring that residents, regardless of their immigration status, feel safe reporting crimes to local authorities. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi slammed Boston, labeling it “among the worst sanctuary offenders in America,” with claims that the policy undermines law enforcement while protecting “illegal aliens from justice.”

As the legal battle heats up, the stakes are high for both sides. Boston’s strategy hinges on a legal precedent that has thus far favored sanctuary policies, putting Mayor Wu and her administration at the center of a contentious national debate. The implications of this lawsuit could reshape the future of immigration enforcement in the city and beyond, as the court prepares to weigh in on these explosive issues.