Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is filing charges against several high-ranking New York state officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark Schroeder, for obstructing federal immigration enforcement. The lawsuit directly challenges New York’s “Green Light Law,” which grants driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants while simultaneously prohibiting state agencies from sharing DMV records with federal immigration authorities.
“This is about upholding the rule of law,” Bondi stated. “New York’s leadership has deliberately chosen to shield illegal aliens at the expense of public safety. Their policies have made it harder for law enforcement to do their jobs, and we will not allow that to continue.”
New York’s Policies Under Federal Scrutiny
The lawsuit argues that New York’s Green Light Law violates federal statutes by actively interfering with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. The Trump administration has made it clear that it will aggressively pursue legal action against sanctuary jurisdictions that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
Bondi emphasized that New York officials are knowingly undermining national security, endangering communities by allowing criminals to evade detection, and prioritizing illegal immigrants over law-abiding American citizens. “These officials are playing politics with public safety,” she said. “If they continue to defy federal law, they will face consequences.”
Broader Crackdown on Sanctuary States
This lawsuit is part of a larger effort by the Trump administration to dismantle sanctuary policies that hinder immigration enforcement. Similar legal action has already been taken against sanctuary jurisdictions in Chicago, Illinois, and California. Bondi has also warned that other states with similar policies could soon be facing federal charges if they do not come into compliance with immigration law.
“The message is clear,” Bondi said. “No state, no governor, and no politician is above federal law. If you obstruct immigration enforcement, you will be held accountable.”
New York Officials Dig In
New York’s Democratic leadership has vowed to fight back. Attorney General Letitia James defended the Green Light Law, arguing that it improves public safety by ensuring that more drivers are licensed and insured, despite critics pointing out that it also allows illegal immigrants to move freely without fear of detection.
Governor Hochul also doubled down, insisting that the Trump administration’s lawsuit is politically motivated. “This is just another attempt by this administration to demonize immigrants and divide our communities,” Hochul said in a statement.
Legal Battle Could Set a Nationwide Precedent
The outcome of this case could have massive implications for sanctuary states across the country. If the federal government prevails, it could mark the beginning of a wider legal crackdown on states that defy immigration enforcement, reshaping the national debate on illegal immigration and state sovereignty.
As the legal fight intensifies, the Trump administration has made one thing clear: sanctuary policies that shield illegal aliens from deportation will not be tolerated, and those responsible for implementing them will be held accountable.