DOJ Ultimatum: Boston Must Honor ICE Detainers By Aug. 19 Or Face Funding Cuts, Lawsuit Threat

The Department of Justice has given Boston and other so-called sanctuary jurisdictions a deadline to submit plans explaining how they will comply with federal immigration enforcement. Mayor Michelle Wu said Boston will send a response but reaffirmed the city’s commitment to its sanctuary policies and indicated it will follow state law. The DOJ, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, has threatened to withdraw federal funding or pursue civil suits if jurisdictions do not comply. A Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling and state law limit local police from honoring ICE detainers, complicating efforts to align with the federal request. Wu is expected to share the content of Boston’s formal response on Tuesday morning.