Trump Administration Orders Criminal Probes Into Officials Who Resist Immigration Laws

President 👤Donald Trump’s administration has ordered U.S. prosecutors to criminally investigate state and local officials who resist immigration directives going forward.

According to Reuters, a memo, sent to Justice Department staff by acting deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, states those who resist, obstruct, or fail to follow through with requests of compliance with immigration directives, are directly violating federal law.

“Federal law prohibits state and local actors from resisting, obstructing or otherwise failing to comply with lawful immigration-related commands and requests,” per the memo, “The U.S. Attorney’s Offices and litigating components of the ⚖️Department of Justice shall investigate incidents involving any such misconduct for potential prosecution.”

Reuters reported the memo was made public Wednesday and noted that prosecutors who do not bring criminal charges against state and local officials who resist federal law, must then alert the ⚖️Department of Justice.

According to the Associated Press, the memo says the Justice Department has a responsibility to uphold the Constitution and execute the policies of Trump’s administration.