The Justice Department on Wednesday said it was “unconstitutional” for states to refuse to provide undercover license plates to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers.

“Some states are refusing to issue license plates to federal law enforcement. It’s dangerous, shameful, and unconstitutional,” DOJ Civil Division Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate wrote in a post on the social platform X.

“It needs to stop now.  Under @DAGToddBlanche, this @TheJusticeDept stands with our brave law enforcement officers,” he added.

Accompanying the post was a letter sent to Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, alleging the state had unlawfully refused to provide undercover license plates to DHS officials, citing the Supremacy Clause, which says the Constitution and federal laws pursuant to it supersede state municipalities.

“This discriminatory policy is not only deeply dangerous as a matter of public safety but also blatantly unlawful as a matter of constitutional law. It should be immediately withdrawn; otherwise, the United States intends to seek judicial relief,” Shumate wrote in the letter.

“Washington State Department of Licensing’s policies undermine ongoing investigations and put federal law enforcement officers at risk of harm,” he added.

The letter urged the state to rescind the policy blocking DHS officers from obtaining undercover license plates in the state by no later than May 22 and provide written confirmation to the DOJ.

The Washington Attorney General’s office did not immediately respond to The Hill’s request for comment.

In addition to Washington, Shumate wrote similar letters to the attorney general of Maine and the governors of Oregon and Massachusetts.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche doubled down on the DOJ’s intent to crack down on sanctuary states in a follow up post to Shumate.

“Sanctuary policies that obstruct ICE from performing its lawful mission to protect public safety are inexcusable,” Blanche wrote in a post on X.

“Removing criminal aliens from American communities is a priority, and unconstitutional actions that prevent this will be dealt with,” he added.

The move is in line with policies under former Attorney General Pam Bondi, who said the DOJ would sue sanctuary cities protecting undocumented immigrants.

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