In a significant legal development, the U.S. Department of Justice has decided to appeal a court ruling pertaining to its lawsuit against Illinois, Cook County, and the city of Chicago concerning their sanctuary city policies. This information has been confirmed by the I-Team.

The origins of this legal conflict trace back to February when the DOJ filed a lawsuit arguing that these local and state governments were obstructing federal immigration laws. The crux of the DOJ’s complaint centered on policies that prevent local and state law enforcement agencies from engaging in immigration enforcement and from sharing information about the immigration status of individuals in custody, particularly regarding their release schedules.

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However, in July, U.S. District Judge Lindsay Jenkins dismissed the lawsuit, stating that “the United States lacks standing to sue… with respect to the Sanctuary Policies.” In her ruling, Jenkins underscored the limitations of federal power, noting, “The Federal Government may not compel the States to enact or administer a federal regulatory program. While Congress possesses numerous enumerated powers and can override state laws, it cannot use States as tools to enforce federal mandates.”

Following the dismissal, the DOJ was allotted a month to amend its complaint. Yet, according to court documents, it chose not to revise its legal challenge, leading Judge Jenkins to convert her ruling into one with prejudice, effectively closing the door on the current iteration of the case.

The DOJ was given a month to amend its complaint, but according to court records, it did not do so, and Judge Jenkins’ ruling was converted into one with prejudice.

Nearly two months after that decision became final, Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate notified the court on Friday that the case would be appealed to the Seventh Circuit, according to a court filing.