The DOJ's lawsuit filed back in February had accused the local, county and state governments of blocking federal immigration law, specifically rules in place preventing local and state law enforcement from participating in immigration enforcement, as well as the sharing the status of criminals in custody/when they would be released.
U.S. District Judge Lindsay Jenkins dismissed the lawsuit back in July, ruling, "(T)he United States lacks standing to sue... with respect to the Sanctuary Policies."
"(T)he Federal Government may not compel the States to enact or administer a federal regulatory program," Jenkins wrote. "While Congress has many enumerated powers, and may even overtake state law, it may not wield States as federal tools."
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.