However, they are drawing a line at what they see as unconstitutional and harmful tactics that Trump has proposed, such as using military forces and denying due process to undocumented immigrants.
The attorneys general are particularly concerned about the potential for family separation and chaos in communities if Trump moves forward with his mass deportation plans. They argue that these actions would not only violate the rights of immigrants but also disrupt the fabric of American society.
“We are prepared to take legal action to prevent the mass deportations that President Trump has proposed,” California Attorney General Xavier Becerra said. “We will not stand by while families are torn apart and communities are thrown into turmoil.”
The attorneys general are also focused on protecting vulnerable populations, such as children in schools and patients in hospitals, from being targeted by immigration agents. They argue that these actions would create fear and distrust in these essential institutions and harm the well-being of those they serve.
“We will fight to ensure that our schools and hospitals remain safe spaces for all members of our communities, regardless of their immigration status,” New York Attorney General Letitia James said. “No one should be afraid to seek an education or medical care because of their immigration status.”
Overall, the attorneys general are gearing up for a series of legal battles to push back against Trump’s deportation plans. They are committed to defending the rights of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status, and to upholding the values of due process and equality under the law.
“As state prosecutors, we have a duty to protect the rights of all residents in our states,” Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey said. “We will not hesitate to challenge any actions that threaten the well-being and safety of our communities.”
As President-elect Trump prepares for a potential second administration, there is growing concern among attorneys general about the potential overreach in his immigration policies. The next steps that these officials take largely depend on how Trump implements his plans, which remains uncertain.
Trump’s advisers have hinted at a more targeted approach to deportations, focusing on national security threats and individuals with criminal records. However, attorneys general are wary that Trump may deviate from this strategy and start targeting long-term undocumented immigrants or those who entered the country legally. Such actions could lead to family separations and cause chaos in communities.
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin expressed concern that a large-scale deportation effort could result in targeting lawful residents and even American citizens, a move that would not be tolerated. Trump’s promise to kick off his deportation push in Aurora, Colorado, has raised alarms among attorneys general like Phil Weiser, who vow to ensure due process is not denied to individuals facing immigration actions.
Attorneys general from Colorado to California are bracing for potential clashes over federal funding, as Trump has threatened to withhold funds from sanctuary jurisdictions. Despite previous legal battles over immigration-enforcement conditions attached to grants, California Attorney General Rob Bonta asserts that they will not back down.
In response to these concerns, Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, highlighted the nomination of highly qualified attorneys to lead the Department of Justice and focus on enforcing the rule of law. However, Democratic prosecutors are gearing up for resistance beyond the courtroom, with advocacy groups urging attorneys general to use all available tools to slow down Trump’s immigration agenda.
A key aspect of the resistance is challenging Trump’s portrayal of immigrants as criminals and emphasizing the contributions of immigrants to local communities. Attorneys general are also linking Trump’s deportation plans to potential economic harm, pointing out the role of immigrant workers in industries like agriculture and the impact on consumer prices.
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell refutes the narrative that all undocumented immigrants are criminals, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced approach. As attorneys general gear up for potential battles with the incoming administration, their focus remains on upholding the rights of immigrants and ensuring fair treatment in the face of uncertain immigration policies.
