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.
“Indeed, it is the responsibility of the Justice Department to defend the Constitution, and accordingly, to lawfully execute the policies that the American people elected President Trump to implement,” Bove wrote.
Bove noted Justice Department personnel must “come together” to do this important work that is paid for by American taxpayers.
“The Justice Department’s responsibility, proudly shouldered by each of its employees, includes aggressive enforcement of laws enacted by Congress, as well as vigorous defense of the President’s actions on behalf of the United States against legal challenges,” Bove wrote, “The Department’s personnel must come together in the offices that taxpayers have funded to do this important work.”
Furthermore, federal prosecutors must “take all steps necessary to protect the public and secure the American border by removing illegal aliens from the country and prosecuting illegal aliens for crimes committed in U.S. jurisdiction,” with Bove adding, “The most serious charges are those punishable by death where applicable, and offenses with the most significant mandatory minimum sentences”
