DOJ sues Mayor Wu over immigration policies: Boston 'among the worst sanctuary offenders'

Boston acting ICE director calls out Mayor Wu for sanctuary city policies

ICE Boston Acting Field Office Director Patricia Hyde joins ‘America’s Newsroom’ to discuss Mayor Michelle Wu’s refusal to comply with federal immigration enforcement and Attorney General Pam Bondi’s ultimatum.

FIRST ON FOX: The Department of Justice brought a lawsuit Thursday against Boston over allegations the city's policies shield illegal immigrants from federal authorities, marking an escalation in the Trump administration's fight with the Democratic stronghold.

The DOJ named Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and the city's police commissioner in the lawsuit and zeroed in on the Boston Trust Act, a law that prevents local police from cooperating with certain requests from federal immigration authorities.

"The City’s resistance endangers public safety, resulting in a number of criminals being released into Boston who should have been held for immigration removal from the United States," DOJ attorneys said in the complaint.

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Boston Mayor Michelle Wu smiles while addressing supporters during her re-election campaign launch at the Boston Center for the Arts. (Erin Clark/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

The lawsuit is the latest in a string of legal actions the DOJ has taken against cities and states it deems sanctuaries for illegal immigrants. In addition to warning letters it has sent to several jurisdictions, the department has also sued Colorado, California, Illinois and others.

A federal judge dismissed the DOJ’s lawsuit against Illinois, saying its state and local policies were protected by the Constitution and that the DOJ encroached on Illinois’ sovereignty. The department has filed an appeal in that case.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi appears for a swearing-in ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, D.C., on May 6, 2025. (Francis Chung/Politico/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Attorney General Pam Bondi said Wu and her city "have been among the worst sanctuary offenders in America."

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"They explicitly enforce policies designed to undermine law enforcement and protect illegal aliens from justice," Bondi said. "If Boston won’t protect its citizens from illegal alien crime, this Department of Justice will."

Fox News Digital reached out to Wu's office for comment. 

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Ashley Oliver is a reporter for Fox News Digital and FOX Business, covering the Justice Department and legal affairs. Email story tips to [email protected].