Through its innovative use of taxpayer standing and other legal strategies, Judicial Watch has brought lawsuits against state and local governments to ensure the rule of law is upheld.  Additionally, Judicial Watch has used open records laws to obtain government data on illegal immigration and to investigate policies and procedures concerning illegal alliens used by police and governmental entities.

• STAUDENRAUS v. SPITZER – JW lawsuit on behalf of a resident of the State of New York challenging the use of taxpayer funds for a new program by Governor Elliot Spitzer that would allow illegal aliens to obtain New York driver's licenses.

   

• GARCIA v. CITY OF LAGUNA BEACH – JW lawsuit on behalf of residents of the City of Laguna Beach, California, challenging the use of taxpayer funds to operate a day laborer center that refuses to verify day laborers’ eligibility to work in the United States.

   

• JUDICIAL WATCH v. CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT – JW lawsuit to obtain records regarding the Chicago Police Department’s policies and procedures concerning illegal aliens and immigration status.

   

• JUDICIAL WATCH v. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, et al. – JW lawsuit to obtain records regarding immunity and medical treatment provided to a Mexican national shot by U.S. Border Patrol Agents in a drug-related incident near the U.S./Mexico border.

   

• JUDICIAL WATCH v. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY – JW lawsuit to obtain records regarding a survey of apprehended illegal aliens conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol to determine the impact of a proposed “Temporary Guest Worker” program.

   

• JUDICIAL WATCH v. D.C. METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT – JW lawsuit to obtain records regarding the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department’s policies and procedures concerning illegal aliens and immigration status.

   

• JUDICIAL WATCH v. LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT, et al. – JW lawsuit to obtain records regarding the Los Angeles Police Department’s policies and procedures concerning illegal aliens and immigration status.

   

• JUDICIAL WATCH v. SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION –JW lawsuit to obtain records regarding “No Match” letter statistics.

   

• KARUNAKARAM v. TOWN OF HERNDON – JW lawsuit on behalf of residents of the Town of Herndon, Virginia challenging the use of taxpayer funds to operate a day laborer center that refuses to verify day laborers’ eligibility to work in the United States.

   

• STURGEON v. BRATTON – JW lawsuit on behalf of a resident of the City of Los Angeles challenging the use of taxpayer funds to support the Los Angeles Police Department’s “sanctuary” policy, which prohibits police officers from inquiring about a person’s citizenship or immigration status or notifying federal immigration authorities about an illegal alien’s immigration status.