In a significant move reflecting the Trump administration’s intensified focus on immigration enforcement, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the Department of Justice has filed a civil lawsuit against the state of New York, Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark Schroeder. The lawsuit challenges New York’s “Green Light Law,” which permits undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses and restricts federal access to DMV records without a judicial warrant.
At a press conference, Bondi criticized the law, stating, “New York has chosen to prioritize illegal aliens over American citizens. It stops today.” She argued that the state’s policies hinder federal immigration enforcement efforts and pose risks to public safety.
Governor Hochul responded to the lawsuit by defending the state’s position, emphasizing that federal immigration officials can access DMV databases with a judicial warrant. She labeled the lawsuit as “smoke and mirrors” and a “publicity-driven” effort, asserting that New York would not back down from its commitment to protecting residents’ privacy and rights, as reported.
Attorney General Letitia James also pledged to defend the state’s laws, stating, “Our state laws, including the Green Light law, protect the rights of all New Yorkers and keep our communities safe.”
The lawsuit marks a continuation of the federal government’s legal actions against states with policies perceived as non-compliant with federal immigration laws. Similar lawsuits have been filed against Illinois and Chicago, challenging their sanctuary policies.
Legal experts anticipate a contentious legal battle ahead, with potential implications for the balance of power between state and federal authorities in immigration enforcement.
