CONNECTICUT GOVERNOR DEFIES DOJ ‘SANCTUARY’ ULTIMATUM, REJECTS FEDERAL IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT DEMANDS

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont refused a Justice Department demand to amend state immigration policies, rejecting threats of funding cuts and potential criminal charges. In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Lamont said state and local police should prioritize public safety over acting as extensions of federal immigration enforcement and argued no state law blocks federal agents. He defended Connecticut’s Trust Act and benefits for some undocumented children—policies DOJ criticized—while Democrats backed his stance and Republicans urged cooperation to avoid penalties.