DOJ Sues Four States Over Undercover License Plates For Federal Agents
The Justice Department sued Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon and Washington on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, saying their bans on undercover license plates for federal agents violate the Constitution and endanger agents.[1]
DOJ filed separate suits in federal district courts and targeted policies that allow state agencies to use undercover plates while denying them to Department of Homeland Security components, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement.[1] The department says those policies obstruct federal immigration enforcement under the Supremacy Clause and increase risks to agents by forcing them to operate without consistent vehicle identification.[1]
Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and Massachusetts Attorney General Joy Campbell each signaled their offices will defend the states' policies.[1] The suits were filed as separate cases in the four states rather than a single nationwide challenge.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Wednesday, May 27, 2026, DOJ filed separate lawsuits in federal district courts against Maine, Massachusetts, Oregon and Washington
- The suits challenge state policies that deny undercover license plates to DHS components, including ICE, while providing similar plates to state agencies
- DOJ argues the policies violate the Supremacy Clause by obstructing federal immigration enforcement and increasing risks to agents
- Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows and Massachusetts Attorney General Joy Campbell's office both signaled they will defend their states' policies
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