Feds vs states

Center Square -   The Department of Justice filed separate federal lawsuits Wednesday against Washington, Oregon, Maine and Massachusetts, escalating a clash between the Trump administration and Democratic-led states over federal immigration enforcement.

The legal action follows a formal warning issued earlier this month by the Justice Department, which all four states refused to act upon. Federal officials argue the restrictions violate the U.S. Constitution, intentionally obstruct federal power and put undercover agents at risk.

The lawsuits stem from decisions by state motor vehicle departments to suspend or heavily restrict the issuance of confidential, undercover license plates to Department of Homeland Security personnel, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection.