New York City’s sanctuary city policies are unconstitutional and make it harder for federal immigration officers to do their jobs, the US Justice Department says in a federal lawsuit filed Thursday.

The Trump administration has taken legal action against New York City's sanctuary city policy, claiming it obstructs immigration law enforcement and contributed to a recent incident where a border patrol agent was shot.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who has criticized aspects of sanctuary initiatives for years, has staunchly defended himself over allegations that he is to blame for the policy.