DOJ Threatens Suit Over States Blocking Undercover Plates For DHS Agents
The Justice Department on Thursday, May 14, 2026, warned Washington state's attorney general that it will sue unless the state stops denying undercover license plates to Department of Homeland Security agents.[1]
Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate gave the state until May 22 to show compliance and said DOJ would file suit after that deadline if the policy is not changed.[1] DOJ says Washington's Department of Licensing is issuing undercover plates to state and local police while denying them to DHS.[1]
Maine has paused new undercover plates for DHS, and DOJ said it is also scrutinizing Oregon and Massachusetts over similar policies.[1]
The warning letter described the practice as "blatantly unlawful" and said blocking plates for federal agents could put lives at risk.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Thursday, May 14, 2026, DOJ issued a warning letter to Washington’s attorney general over its undercover plate policy.
- DOJ says Washington’s Department of Licensing is denying undercover license plates to DHS while issuing them to state and local police.
- Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate set a May 22, 2026 deadline for Washington to show compliance or face litigation.
- Maine has paused new undercover plates for DHS, and DOJ is also scrutinizing Oregon and Massachusetts over similar issues.
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