Case: United States v. City of Boston

1:25-cv-12456 | U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts

Filed Date: Sept. 4, 2025

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding complete

Case Summary

This case challenges Boston’s Trust Act, the city's primary sanctuary city legislation. The Trust Act, enacted in 2014, prohibits the Boston Police Department from detaining individuals on the basis of immigration status or civil immigration warrants. On September 4, 2025, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) filed this lawsuit against the city of Boston in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. The DOJ sued Boston under the Supremacy Clause of the United S…

This case challenges Boston’s Trust Act, the city's primary sanctuary city legislation. The Trust Act, enacted in 2014, prohibits the Boston Police Department from detaining individuals on the basis of immigration status or civil immigration warrants.

On September 4, 2025, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) filed this lawsuit against the city of Boston in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts. The DOJ sued Boston under the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution, as well as 8 U.S.C. § 1373, a cause of action that pertains to obstructing communication to and from the Immigration Naturalization Services. Plaintiffs argued that the Trust Act interfered with federal law, in violation of the Constitution. Specifically, plaintiffs alleged that the Trust Act interferes with ICE’s ability to carry out its immigration enforcement efforts, vested in the executive branch via Article VI, Clause 2. The complaint sought declaratory and injunctive relief barring Boston's enforcement of the law.

The case was assigned to District Judge Leo T. Sorokin. On November 17, 2025, Defendants filed a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim. First, the motion for dismissal asserted that Plaintiff's complaint fails to establish that Immigration and Nationality Act preempts the Boston Trust Act, or that the Trust Act impermissibly discriminates against or regulates the United States. Second, Defendants argued that Plaintiffs had failed to establish standing regarding the Boston Police Department and the individually named Defendants, nor that their claims against these parties were proper. As of February 13, 2026, the motion to dismiss is still being briefed.

This case is ongoing.

Summary Authors

Claire Pollard (9/6/2025)

Nithya Arun (10/13/2025)

Ben Hefter (2/13/2026)

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71271696/parties/united-states-v-city-of-boston/


Judge(s)

Sorokin, Leo Theodore (Massachusetts)

Attorney for Plaintiff

Hulseberg, Jordan (Massachusetts)

Wen, James (Massachusetts)

Attorney for Defendant

Dinning, Sam (Massachusetts)

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Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document
1

1:25-cv-12456

Complaint

Sept. 4, 2025

Sept. 4, 2025

Complaint
15

1:25-cv-12456

Defendants' Motion to Dismiss Plaintiff's Complaint

United States of America v. City of Boston

Nov. 17, 2025

Nov. 17, 2025

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Resources

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71271696/united-states-v-city-of-boston/

Last updated Feb. 23, 2026, 12:27 a.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against All Defendants (Fee Status: US Government), filed by UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit 1 - 2014 Boston Trust Act, # 2 Exhibit 2 - 2019 Boston Trust Act, # 3 Exhibit 3 - 2015 BPDs Boston Trust Act Report, # 4 Exhibit 4 2016 BPDs Boston Trust Act Report, # 5 Exhibit 2017 BPDs Boston Trust Act Report, # 6 Exhibit 2018 BPDs Boston Trust Act Report, # 7 Exhibit 2021 BPDs Boston Trust Act Report, # 8 Exhibit 2022 BPDs Boston Trust Act Report, # 9 Exhibit 2023 BPDs Boston Trust Act Report, # 10 Exhibit 2024 BPDs Boston Trust Act Report, # 11 Civil Cover Sheet, # 12 Category Form)(Wen, James). (Entered: 09/04/2025)

1 Exhibit Exhibit 1 - 2014 Boston Trust Act

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2 Exhibit Exhibit 2 - 2019 Boston Trust Act

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3 Exhibit Exhibit 3 - 2015 BPDs Boston Trust Act Report

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4 Exhibit Exhibit 4 2016 BPDs Boston Trust Act Report

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5 Exhibit Exhibit 5 2017 BPDs Boston Trust Act Report

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6 Exhibit Exhibit 6 2018 BPDs Boston Trust Act Report

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7 Exhibit Exhibit 7 2021 BPDs Boston Trust Act Report

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8 Exhibit Exhibit 8 2022 BPDs Boston Trust Act Report

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9 Exhibit Exhibit 9 2023 BPDs Boston Trust Act Report

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10 Exhibit Exhibit 10 2024 BPDs Boston Trust Act Report

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11 Civil Cover Sheet

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12 Category Form

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Sept. 4, 2025

Sept. 4, 2025

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2

NOTICE of Appearance by James Wen on behalf of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Wen, James) (Entered: 09/04/2025)

Sept. 4, 2025

Sept. 4, 2025

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3

ELECTRONIC NOTICE of Case Assignment. District Judge Leo T. Sorokin assigned to case. If the trial Judge issues an Order of Reference of any matter in this case to a Magistrate Judge, the matter will be transmitted to Magistrate Judge Paul G. Levenson. (NMC) (Entered: 09/05/2025)

Sept. 5, 2025

Sept. 5, 2025

4

Summons Issued as to All Defendants. Counsel receiving this notice electronically should download this summons, complete one for each defendant and serve it in accordance with Fed.R.Civ.P. 4 and LR 4.1. Summons will be mailed to plaintiff(s) not receiving notice electronically for completion of service. (NVB) (Entered: 09/05/2025)

Sept. 5, 2025

Sept. 5, 2025

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NOTICE of Appearance by Jordan Hulseberg on behalf of The United States of America (Hulseberg, Jordan) (Entered: 09/05/2025)

Sept. 5, 2025

Sept. 5, 2025

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Notice of Case Assignment

Sept. 5, 2025

Sept. 5, 2025

6

SUMMONS Returned Executed The United States of America served on 9/11/2025, answer due 10/2/2025. (Wen, James) Modified on 9/17/2025: Document removed and properly refiled as separate entries. See entries 7, 8, 9, and 10 . (FGD) (Entered: 09/17/2025)

Sept. 17, 2025

Sept. 17, 2025

7

SUMMONS Returned Executed. Michael A. Cox served on 9/11/2025, answer due 10/2/2025. (FGD) (Entered: 09/17/2025)

Sept. 17, 2025

Sept. 17, 2025

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SUMMONS Returned Executed. The City of Boston served on 9/11/2025, answer due 10/2/2025. (FGD) (Entered: 09/17/2025)

Sept. 17, 2025

Sept. 17, 2025

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9

SUMMONS Returned Executed. Michelle Wu served on 9/11/2025, answer due 10/2/2025. (FGD) (Entered: 09/17/2025)

Sept. 17, 2025

Sept. 17, 2025

10

SUMMONS Returned Executed. Boston Police Department served on 9/11/2025, answer due 10/2/2025. (FGD) (Entered: 09/17/2025)

Sept. 17, 2025

Sept. 17, 2025

Summons Returned Executed

Sept. 17, 2025

Sept. 17, 2025

11

Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to 11/17/2025 to File Answer by Boston Police Department, Michael A. Cox, The City of Boston, Michelle Wu.(Dinning, Sam) (Entered: 09/26/2025)

Sept. 26, 2025

Sept. 26, 2025

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12

District Judge Leo T. Sorokin: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered re: 11 Joint MOTION for Extension of Time to 11/17/2025 to File Answer.ALLOWED. Boston Police Department answer due 11/17/2025; Michael A. Cox answer due 11/17/2025; The City of Boston answer due 11/17/2025; Michelle Wu answer due 11/17/2025. (FGD) (Entered: 09/29/2025)

Sept. 29, 2025

Sept. 29, 2025

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to Answer

Sept. 29, 2025

Sept. 29, 2025

13

District Judge Leo T. Sorokin: ORDER entered. New Civil Cases General Procedural ORDER. (FGD) (Entered: 10/16/2025)

Oct. 16, 2025

Oct. 16, 2025

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14

NOTICE of Appearance by Thomas Broom on behalf of Boston Police Department, Michael A. Cox, The City of Boston, Michelle Wu (Broom, Thomas) (Entered: 11/12/2025)

Nov. 12, 2025

Nov. 12, 2025

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15

MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM by Boston Police Department, Michael A. Cox, The City of Boston, Michelle Wu.(Dinning, Sam) (Entered: 11/17/2025)

Nov. 17, 2025

Nov. 17, 2025

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16

MEMORANDUM in Support re 15 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM filed by Boston Police Department, Michael A. Cox, The City of Boston, Michelle Wu. (Dinning, Sam) (Entered: 11/17/2025)

Nov. 17, 2025

Nov. 17, 2025

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NOTICE of Appearance by Toby Merrill on behalf of Boston Police Department, Michael A. Cox, The City of Boston, Michelle Wu (Merrill, Toby) (Entered: 11/17/2025)

Nov. 17, 2025

Nov. 17, 2025

18

First MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Erin Monju Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-11363449 by Boston Police Department, Michael A. Cox, The City of Boston, Michelle Wu.(Merrill, Toby) (Main Document 18 replaced on 11/18/2025, detached from supporting document.) (FGD) (Additional attachment(s) added on 11/18/2025: # 1 Declaration of Erin Monju) (FGD). (Entered: 11/17/2025)

1 Declaration of Erin Monju

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Nov. 17, 2025

Nov. 17, 2025

19

District Judge Leo T. Sorokin: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 18 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Erin Monju. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number under ADDITIONAL FILER INFORMATION on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (FGD) (Entered: 11/18/2025)

Nov. 18, 2025

Nov. 18, 2025

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear

Nov. 18, 2025

Nov. 18, 2025

20

NOTICE of Appearance by Erin Monju on behalf of Boston Police Department, Michael A. Cox, The City of Boston, Michelle Wu (Monju, Erin) (Entered: 11/20/2025)

Nov. 20, 2025

Nov. 20, 2025

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NOTICE of Appearance by Edward F. Whitesell, Jr on behalf of Michael A. Cox, The City of Boston, Michelle Wu (Whitesell, Edward) (Entered: 11/21/2025)

Nov. 21, 2025

Nov. 21, 2025

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Amicus Curiae APPEARANCE entered by Jared B. Cohen on behalf of COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. (Cohen, Jared) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

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Assented to MOTION for Leave to File Brief of Amicus Curiae by COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. (Attachments: # 1 Brief of Amicus Curiae Commonwealth of Massachusetts)(Cohen, Jared) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

1 Brief of Amicus Curiae Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

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Amicus Curiae APPEARANCE entered by Laura Greenberg-Chao on behalf of Amici Curiae 27 Cities, Counties, and Elected Officials. (Greenberg-Chao, Laura) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

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25

MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Rupa Bhattacharyya Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-11378756 by Amici Curiae 27 Cities, Counties, and Elected Officials. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Certificate of Rupa Bhattacharyya, # 2 Exhibit Proposed Order)(Greenberg-Chao, Laura) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

1 Exhibit Certificate of Rupa Bhattacharyya

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2 Exhibit Proposed Order

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Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

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MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Tinesha Zandamela Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-11378791 by Amici Curiae 27 Cities, Counties, and Elected Officials. (Attachments: # 1 Certificate of Tinesha Zandamela, # 2 Proposed Order)(Greenberg-Chao, Laura) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

1 Certificate of Tinesha Zandamela

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2 Proposed Order

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Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

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27

Assented to MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief by Amici Curiae 27 Cities, Counties, and Elected Officials. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Brief)(Greenberg-Chao, Laura) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

1 Proposed Brief

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Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

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28

NOTICE of Appearance by Austin Paganelli Anderson on behalf of Amici Curiae Law Enforcement Officials (Anderson, Austin) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

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First MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Ames Grawert Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number BMADC-11378831 by Amici Curiae Law Enforcement Officials. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit of A Grawert re PHV)(Anderson, Austin) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

1 Affidavit Affidavit of A Grawert re PHV

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Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

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First MOTION for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice for admission of Brianna Seid Filing fee: $ 125, receipt number AMADC-11378852 by Amici Curiae Law Enforcement Officials. (Attachments: # 1 Affidavit of B Seid re PHV)(Anderson, Austin) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

1 Affidavit of B Seid re PHV

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Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

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31

First MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief by Amici Curiae Law Enforcement Officials. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit Proposed Amicus Brief)(Anderson, Austin) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

1 Exhibit Proposed Amicus Brief

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Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

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32

Assented to MOTION for Leave to File Memo of Amici Curiae by The American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts (ACLUM), Brazilian Women's Group, The Cape Cod Coalition for Safe Communities, Dignidad, The Dominican Development Center, Inc., The East Boston Community Council, Greater Boston Legal Services, The Haitian American New Vision of Waltham, Haitian Americans United Inc., The Immigrant Support Alliance, The International Institute of New England, Jane Doe Inc., The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, The Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, The Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston, The Student Clinic for Immigrant Justice, The Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice & the Environment's Refugee Support Working Group. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit PROPOSED MEMORANDUM OF AMICI CURIAE)(Rossman, Jessie) (Entered: 11/24/2025)

1 Exhibit PROPOSED MEMORANDUM OF AMICI CURIAE

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Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

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33

District Judge Leo T. Sorokin: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered re: 23 Assented to MOTION for Leave to File Brief of Amicus Curiae by Commonwealth of Massachusetts. ALLOWED. Counsel using the Electronic Case Filing System should now file the document for which leave to file has been granted in accordance with the CM/ECF Administrative Procedures. Counsel must include - Leave to file granted on (date of order)- in the caption of the document. (FGD) (Entered: 11/25/2025)

Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

34

District Judge Leo T. Sorokin: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 25 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Rupa Bhattacharyya. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number under ADDITIONAL FILER INFORMATION on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (FGD) (Entered: 11/25/2025)

Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

35

District Judge Leo T. Sorokin: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 26 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Tinesha Zandamela. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number under ADDITIONAL FILER INFORMATION on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (FGD) (Entered: 11/25/2025)

Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

36

District Judge Leo T. Sorokin: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered re: 27 Assented to MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief by Amici Curiae 27 Cities, Counties, and Elected Officials.ALLOWED. Counsel using the Electronic Case Filing System should now file the document for which leave to file has been granted in accordance with the CM/ECF Administrative Procedures. Counsel must include - Leave to file granted on (date of order)- in the caption of the document. (FGD) (Entered: 11/25/2025)

Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

37

District Judge Leo T. Sorokin: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 29 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Ames Grawert. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number under ADDITIONAL FILER INFORMATION on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (FGD) (Entered: 11/25/2025)

Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

38

District Judge Leo T. Sorokin: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered granting 30 Motion for Leave to Appear Pro Hac Vice Added Brianna Seid. Attorneys admitted Pro Hac Vice must have an individual PACER account, not a shared firm account, to electronically file in the District of Massachusetts. To register for a PACER account, go the Pacer website at https://pacer.uscourts.gov/register-account. You must put the docket number under ADDITIONAL FILER INFORMATION on your form when registering or it will be rejected.Pro Hac Vice Admission Request Instructions https://www.mad.uscourts.gov/caseinfo/nextgen-pro-hac-vice.htm.A Notice of Appearance must be entered on the docket by the newly admitted attorney. (FGD) (Entered: 11/25/2025)

Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

39

District Judge Leo T. Sorokin: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered re: 31 First MOTION for Leave to File Amicus Brief by Amici Curiae Law Enforcement Officials.ALLOWED. Counsel using the Electronic Case Filing System should now file the document for which leave to file has been granted in accordance with the CM/ECF Administrative Procedures. Counsel must include - Leave to file granted on (date of order)- in the caption of the document. (FGD) (Entered: 11/25/2025)

Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

40

District Judge Leo T. Sorokin: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered re: 32 Assented to MOTION for Leave to File Memo of Amici Curiae.ALLOWED. Counsel using the Electronic Case Filing System should now file the document for which leave to file has been granted in accordance with the CM/ECF Administrative Procedures. Counsel must include - Leave to file granted on (date of order)- in the caption of the document. (FGD) (Entered: 11/25/2025)

Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

41

AMICUS BRIEF re 15 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM filed by Amici Curiae Law Enforcement Officials. (Anderson, Austin) Modified docket text on 11/25/2025. (FGD) (Entered: 11/25/2025)

Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

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AMICUS BRIEF filed by Brazilian Women's Group, Dignidad, Greater Boston Legal Services, Haitian Americans United Inc., Jane Doe Inc., The American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts (ACLUM), The Cape Cod Coalition for Safe Communities, The Dominican Development Center, Inc., The East Boston Community Council, The Haitian American New Vision of Waltham, The Immigrant Support Alliance, The International Institute of New England, The Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition, The Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, The Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston, The Student Clinic for Immigrant Justice, The Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice & the Environment's Refugee Support Working Group . (Rossman, Jessie) (Entered: 11/25/2025)

Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

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AMICUS BRIEF filed by Amici Curiae 27 Cities, Counties, and Elected Officials . (Greenberg-Chao, Laura) (Entered: 11/25/2025)

Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

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AMICUS BRIEF filed by Commonwealth of Massachusetts . (Cohen, Jared) (Entered: 11/25/2025)

Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

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NOTICE of Appearance by Rupa Bhattacharyya on behalf of Amici Curiae 27 Cities, Counties, and Elected Officials (Bhattacharyya, Rupa) (Entered: 11/25/2025)

Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

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NOTICE of Appearance by Tinesha Zandamela on behalf of Amici Curiae 27 Cities, Counties, and Elected Officials (Zandamela, Tinesha) (Entered: 11/25/2025)

Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

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Order on Motion for Leave to File Document

Nov. 25, 2025

Nov. 25, 2025

Order on Motion for Leave to Appear

Nov. 25, 2025

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47

NOTICE of Appearance by Ames Grawert on behalf of Amici Curiae Law Enforcement Officials (Grawert, Ames) (Entered: 11/26/2025)

Nov. 26, 2025

Nov. 26, 2025

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NOTICE of Appearance by Brianna Seid on behalf of Amici Curiae Law Enforcement Officials (Seid, Brianna) (Main Document 48 replaced on 12/2/2025, with corrected PDF). (FGD) (Entered: 12/01/2025)

Dec. 1, 2025

Dec. 1, 2025

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Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to January 7, 2026 to To File Response to Defendants' Motion to Dismiss by The United States of America. (Attachments: # 1 Text of Proposed Order)(Wen, James) (Entered: 12/09/2025)

1 Text of Proposed Order

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Dec. 9, 2025

Dec. 9, 2025

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District Judge Leo T. Sorokin: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered re: 49 Consent MOTION for Extension of Time to January 7, 2026 to File Response re 15 MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM.ALLOWED. Responses due by 1/7/2026. (FGD) (Entered: 12/10/2025)

Dec. 10, 2025

Dec. 10, 2025

Order on Motion for Extension of Time to File Response/Reply

Dec. 10, 2025

Dec. 10, 2025

51

Assented to MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages in Plaintiff's Opposition and Defendants' Reply by The United States of America.(Hulseberg, Jordan)

Jan. 5, 2026

Jan. 5, 2026

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District Judge Leo T. Sorokin: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered re: [51] Assented to MOTION for Leave to File Excess Pages in Plaintiff's Opposition and Defendants' Reply.

Jan. 6, 2026

Jan. 6, 2026

Order on Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages

Jan. 6, 2026

Jan. 6, 2026

53

Opposition re [15] MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM filed by The United States of America. (Hulseberg, Jordan)

Jan. 7, 2026

Jan. 7, 2026

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54

NOTICE of Appearance by Matthew James O'Brien on behalf of Federation for American Immigration Reform (O'Brien, Matthew)

Jan. 14, 2026

Jan. 14, 2026

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Assented to MOTION for Leave to File an amicus brief in support of Plaintiff by Federation for American Immigration Reform. (Attachments: (1) Amicus Brief, (2) Proposed Order)(O'Brien, Matthew)

1 Amicus Brief

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2 Proposed Order

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Jan. 14, 2026

Jan. 14, 2026

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District Judge Leo T. Sorokin: ELECTRONIC ORDER entered re: [55] Assented to MOTION for Leave to File an amicus brief in support of Plaintiff.

Jan. 16, 2026

Jan. 16, 2026

57

AMICUS BRIEF filed by Federation for American Immigration Reform . (O'Brien, Matthew)

Jan. 16, 2026

Jan. 16, 2026

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Order on Motion for Leave to File Document

Jan. 16, 2026

Jan. 16, 2026

58

REPLY to Response to [15] MOTION TO DISMISS FOR FAILURE TO STATE A CLAIM filed by Boston Police Department, Michael A. Cox, The City of Boston, Michelle Wu. (Dinning, Sam)

Jan. 28, 2026

Jan. 28, 2026

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Case Details

State / Territory:

Massachusetts

Case Type(s):

Immigration and/or the Border

Special Collection(s):

Trump 1.0 & 2.0 Immigration Enforcement Order Challenges

Trump Administration 2.0: Litigation and Investigations By the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: Sept. 4, 2025

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

United States Government

Plaintiff Type(s):

U.S. Dept of Justice plaintiff

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

The City of Boston (Boston, Suffolk), City

Michelle Wu (Boston, Suffolk), City

Boston Police Department (Boston, Suffolk), City

Michael A. Cox (Boston, Suffolk), City

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA)

Constitutional Clause(s):

Supremacy Clause

Other Dockets:

District of Massachusetts 1:25-cv-12456

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Declaratory judgment

Injunction

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

Immigration/Border:

Sanctuary city/state