PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha joined his counterparts from 10 states in issuing a joint statement Thursday, addressing state involvement in federal immigration enforcement. The statement comes in response to a recent memorandum from a Trump political appointee. Attorneys general from California, New York, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Vermont, and Rhode Island co-signed the message. BACKGROUND: DOJ orders investigation of local compliance with Trump immigration crackdown Citing longstanding Supreme Court precedent, the attorneys general emphasized that the U.S. Constitution prevents the federal government from commandeering state resources to enforce federal laws. They referenced the 1997 Supreme Court decision in Printz v. United States, which ruled that the federal government cannot "impress into its service—and at no cost to itself—the police officers of the 50 States." "This balance of power between the federal government and state governments is a touchstone of our American system of federalism," the statement read. McKee: No evidence of ICE raids happening in Rhode Island The statement criticized President Donald Trump for making "troubling threats" to the U.S. Department of Justice's prosecutorial authority, accusing him of interfering with public servants' ability to follow state laws and maintain trust within their communities. They said that despite what Trump may claim, the president cannot "unilaterally re-write the Constitution." "Right now, these vague threats are just that: empty words on paper," they wrote. "But rest assured, our states will not hesitate to respond if these words become illegal actions." The attorneys general concluded by reaffirming their commitment to enforcing state laws. "We will continue to investigate and prosecute crimes, regardless of immigration status. We will not be distracted by the president’s mass deportation agenda,” the statement concluded. AHEAD: Judge temporarily blocks Trump’s order to end birthright citizenship Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News SIGN UP NOW