Justice Department Warns Sanctuary States to Stop Blocking Undercover Plates for DHS Agents

The Justice Department has ordered sanctuary states to end a policy trend that endangers Department of Homeland Security agents and disrupts operations.

Federal authorities collaborate with states to issue undercover license plates to agents and officers whose identities must remain protected. Standard U.S. Government plates would expose them.

On Thursday, Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate sent warnings to several states, including Washington. The department claims that state's Department of Licensing refuses to provide such plates for Homeland Security operations while continuing the practice for local and state police.

In a letter to Washington Attorney General Nicholas Brown, Shumate called the policy discriminatory and a violation of the Constitution's Supremacy Clause. "This discriminatory policy is not only deeply dangerous as a matter of public safety but also blatantly unlawful as a matter of constitutional law," he wrote.

"It should be immediately withdrawn; otherwise, the United States intends to seek judicial relief."

Shumate stated that Washington's approach undermines investigations and exposes law enforcement to harm while targeting terrorists, drug traffickers and fraudsters. "Suspects could be alerted to officer presence and flee, destroy evidence or take countermeasures to avoid arrest, making arrests more dangerous for all involved," he added. That includes the general public.

Shumate set a May 22 deadline for Brown to confirm compliance or face litigation.

Earlier this year, Maine paused issuing undercover plates to DHS officers. Secretary of State Shenna Bellows told The Hill that the state Bureau of Motor Vehicles has not revoked existing plates but will halt future ones after reports of targeted enforcement in the state.

Oregon and Massachusetts also face scrutiny from the Justice Department on this issue.

Fox News Digital contacted Brown and the Justice Department for comment.