The suit cites a number of provisions of New York City code and other policies, including a 2011 provision that bars the Department of Correction from honoring civil immigration detainers from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and rules governing the NYPD that limit police officers' ability to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.

The Justice Department says city officials are intentionally obstructing enforcement of federal immigration law.

The action comes days after an off-duty Customs and Border Protection officer was shot in the face during an ambush robbery attempt.