A coalition of 20 state attorneys general, led by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody and Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, is taking a stand against what they perceive as evasive tactics by the Biden administration regarding border policies. The coalition, including states like Florida, Texas, and Montana, asserts that the administration’s use of “sue-and-settle” strategies undermines state sovereignty and the rule of law, particularly in immigration enforcement.
The coalition’s legal filing in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia aims to safeguard states’ rights to uphold immigration laws when federal leadership appears to relinquish this responsibility. By challenging the administration’s approach to policy changes through settlement agreements with advocacy groups, the attorneys general emphasize the importance of transparent, lawful decision-making processes.
Specifically, the coalition opposes the use of “Sue-and-Settle” tactics, where federal agencies agree to settlements proposed by special interest groups outside traditional rulemaking channels. This practice, they argue, circumvents statutory discretion and sidelines public input, leading to policy shifts without proper scrutiny or debate.
The attorneys general highlight instances where the Biden administration has pursued such settlements, such as with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) regarding immigration policies like the “zero-tolerance policy” from the previous administration. They criticize these backdoor agreements for their lack of transparency and potential impact on national security and public safety.
Florida Attorney General Moody criticizes the administration for what she sees as a breakdown of immigration enforcement, emphasizing states’ interests in protecting their citizens and resources. Montana Attorney General Knudsen echoes these concerns, stating that the border policies under President Biden have created widespread challenges affecting every state’s safety and well-being.
The coalition’s efforts underscore broader conservative worries about illegal immigration’s costs and security implications. They align with public sentiments, as highlighted by polls showing significant concerns among Americans about immigration policies and their impacts on various aspects of national life, including the economy, government effectiveness, and public safety.
