Arizona and Montana filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration, arguing the president’s immigration agenda will wreak havoc in their states.
The lawsuit, filed originally by Arizona, initially focused on Biden’s controversial 100-day moratorium on deportations but was reframed around the argument that the administration violated a previous agreement to inform border states on any changes in Immigration and Customs Enforcement policies, according to the New York Post.
The change in policy took place last month when it was reported that interim guidance was issued regarding categories used by officers for arrest and deportation. Border states had previously negotiated a deal with the Trump administration that they would be consulted prior to any such changes.
“We expanded our previously filed lawsuit against DHS over its new immigration policy that halts nearly all deportations for 100 days, even those charged with or convicted of crimes. @MTAGKnudsen joins lawsuit on behalf of Montana,” Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich tweeted Tuesday.
“Blindly releasing thousands of people, including convicted criminals and those that may be spreading COVID-19, is both unconscionable and a violation of federal law,” Brnovich added. “This must be stopped now to avoid a dangerous humanitarian crisis.”
Blindly releasing thousands of people, including convicted criminals and those that may be spreading COVID-19, is both unconscionable and a violation of federal law. This must be stopped now to avoid a dangerous humanitarian crisis. (2/)
— Mark Brnovich (@GeneralBrnovich) March 9, 2021
Brnovich added that the Department of Homeland Security failed to consult with states about the cost of the moratorium and the changes in ICE arrest protocol and that the failure to do so will be detrimental to the public safety, health, and finances of the state.
Biden’s administration was also sued over its immigration policies by Florida this week after the state claimed that the new ICE guidelines have resulted in more violent criminals on the streets.
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President Biden has been widely criticized over an influx of illegal immigrants, including a record number of unaccompanied minors, at the southern border since he took office, which many attribute to his undoing of former President Donald Trump’s strict immigration agenda.
Biden said that the situation on the border is not a crisis, and White House press secretary Jen Psaki refused to confirm reports that 3,250 unaccompanied migrant children are currently being held by the administration.
