Immigration policy being at the forefront of politics is nothing new. From the nation’s founding to modern day, the policies enacted over time reveal shifting priorities. Now, President Donald Trump is using old measures to accomplish his agenda.

The US sued four “sanctuary cities” in New Jersey, claiming they are blocking the work of federal immigration officials, as the Trump administration seeks to remove obstacles to its mass deportation plans.

Justice Department lawyers say in a lawsuit that Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken and Paterson are shielding illegal immigrants from lawful prosecution.