On Wednesday, the Department of Justice accused several states of refusing to provide undercover license plates to federal law enforcement officers. The states assert that such policies violate constitutional principles and could jeopardize ongoing investigations.
Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate sent letters to officials in Washington, Maine, Oregon, and Massachusetts demanding that the states reverse policies blocking federal agents from obtaining undercover plates. The department requested that the states rescind the policies and provide written confirmation by May 22.
According to the Justice Department, these restrictions violate the Supremacy Clause of the US Constitution, which establishes that federal law takes precedence over conflicting state laws.
Shumate stated in a public letter that some states are refusing to issue license plates to federal law enforcement officers. He described the situation as “dangerous, shameful, and unconstitutional,” urging immediate cessation of such actions.
The department warned that failure to comply could lead to legal action by the federal government. In the letters, Shumate noted that the policies undermine ongoing investigations and place federal law enforcement officers at risk of harm. He added that the administration would seek judicial relief if the states do not change their course.
