Attorney General Pam Bondi announced federal charges against New York officials over immigration policies, accusing the state of prioritizing illegal immigrants over citizens.
Key Takeaways
- The Trump administration is suing New York over its “Green Light law,” which allows undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses.
- AG Pam Bondi claims New York’s law undermines federal immigration laws and authorities.
- New York officials defend the state’s laws, emphasizing public safety and community contributions.
- The lawsuit follows similar actions against other sanctuary jurisdictions.
- Bondi warned other Democrat-led “sanctuary” jurisdictions of potential legal action.
DOJ Takes Action Against New York’s Immigration Policies
In a bold move, newly appointed U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced federal charges against New York state officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James. The lawsuit targets New York’s “Green Light law,” which allows undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses and restricts DMV information use for immigration enforcement.
Bondi accused New York of valuing illegal immigrants more than its own citizens, stating firmly, “New York has chosen to prioritize illegal aliens over American citizens. It stops today.” The lawsuit claims that New York’s law undermines federal immigration laws and authorities, potentially compromising national security and public safety.
🚨#BreakingNews US ATTORNEY GENERAL SUES STATE OF NEW YORK, GOV. KATHY HOCHUL, AG LETITIA JAMES, AND DMV COMMISSIONER MARK SCHROEDER FOR ALLEGEDLY RESISTING ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS
AG PAM BONDI: "They have a 'tip-off' provision that requires New York's DMV commissioner to promptly… pic.twitter.com/uGKxaF0oGY
— Lynnwood Times (@LynnwoodTimes) February 13, 2025
New York Officials Defend State Laws
In response to the federal charges, New York Attorney General Letitia James and Governor Kathy Hochul stood firm in defense of their state’s laws. James asserted, “Our state laws, including the Green Light law, protect the rights of all New Yorkers and keep our communities safe.”
“Our state laws, including the Green Light law, protect the rights of all New Yorkers and keep our communities safe.” – Letitia James
Governor Hochul echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the law supports “law-abiding individuals who want to work, pay taxes and contribute to our communities, while at the same time protecting the public safety of all New Yorkers by cracking down on violent criminals.” This stance puts New York officials in direct conflict with the federal government’s immigration enforcement efforts.
Hochul also called the suit by @PamBondi a “worthless publicity driven lawsuit,” and predicted it will be a “total failure.”
NY has won defense of the law before https://t.co/EVQhpdHOR7— Gloria Pazmino (@GloriaPazmino) February 13, 2025
Broader Implications for Sanctuary Jurisdictions
The lawsuit against New York is not an isolated incident. It follows similar actions against Illinois and Chicago for impeding communication between local and federal law enforcement. Bondi’s press briefing served as a warning to other sanctuary areas, with the Attorney General stating, “New York didn’t listen, so now you’re next.”
“New York didn’t listen, so now you’re next.” – Pam Bondi
This aggressive stance by the DOJ signals a renewed focus on enforcing federal immigration laws and challenging state-level policies that conflict with these efforts. Bondi emphasized, “This is a new DOJ, and we are taking steps to protect Americans.” The lawsuit includes a provision requiring notification to individuals when federal immigration agencies request their information, a practice Bondi describes as “tipping off an illegal alien” and “unconstitutional.”
Human Cost of Immigration Policies
To underscore the human impact of immigration policies, Bondi introduced Tammy Nobles, an Angel mom whose daughter was tragically murdered by an undocumented MS-13 gang member. This emotional appeal highlights the administration’s focus on the potential dangers posed by illegal immigration and sanctuary policies.
As this legal battle unfolds, it raises significant questions about the balance between state autonomy and federal immigration enforcement. The outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for sanctuary jurisdictions across the nation and may reshape the landscape of immigration policy in the United States.
Sources:
- Trump administration sues New York over sanctuary policies for undocumented immigrants – POLITICO
- US justice department sues New York over immigration rules
- Attorney General Pam Bondi rails against New York leaders as she announces immigration lawsuit | AP News
- Pam Bondi Announces Charges Against Kathy Hochul, Letitia James
