SouthernWorldwide.com – The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a warning that Virginia is at risk of becoming “the next California” in the ongoing conflict between the Trump administration and states resisting federal immigration enforcement. This warning comes as the DOJ filed a new lawsuit last week.
Shumate, speaking on behalf of the DOJ, stated that under the Constitution, states do not have the authority to regulate or dictate the federal government’s duties, particularly concerning law enforcement. He highlighted two bills passed in Virginia’s recent legislative session. One bill restricts law enforcement officers, including federal agents, from wearing facial coverings and mandates the display of identification badges.
The second bill, according to Shumate, limits cooperation agreements between local law enforcement agencies, such as sheriffs’ offices, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for voluntary collaboration on federal immigration enforcement matters.
The lawsuit specifically names Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones and Steve Descano, the Commonwealth’s Attorney for Fairfax County, who has reportedly received backing from groups associated with George Soros.
Although the DOJ has not yet received a response from state officials, Shumate expressed confidence in the department’s position, drawing on a previous legal victory. He noted that the department had filed a nearly identical lawsuit against California earlier in the year and had emerged victorious.
In April, a federal appeals court granted the Trump administration a legal win against Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom. This ruling prevented California from imposing a requirement on federal immigration agents to display identification during their operations.
Shumate explained that the DOJ is employing the same legal reasoning in the current case against Virginia. He emphasized that the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution prohibits states from regulating or discriminating against the federal government.
He further elaborated that Virginia’s actions, by attempting to regulate federal operations, exceed the authority granted to states by the Constitution. The two Virginia laws in question are scheduled to take effect on July 1.
Shumate indicated that the DOJ intends to pursue a swift injunction from a district court judge to prevent these laws from becoming effective. He pointed out that Virginia, once a staunchly Republican state, has seen a significant political shift in the past two decades.
The DOJ plans to file a motion in the Virginia district court seeking an injunction to halt the implementation of these laws. Shumate warned that these laws carry criminal penalties, potentially endangering federal agents through prosecution, doxing, and harassment.
ICE has previously defended the practice of its agents concealing their identities during operations. Last summer, amidst intensified immigration enforcement and anti-ICE protests, the agency cited a rise in threats and assaults against agents and their families, attributing it to rhetoric on the left.
Shumate also revealed that the DOJ is monitoring several other states that are considering similar mask restrictions for law enforcement. He issued a clear warning to any state contemplating such legislation.
Shumate stated that any state considering passing a bill of this nature should be aware that the DOJ will file a lawsuit and seek an injunction to block those laws from taking effect.
