The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against New York state officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul, accusing them of failing to uphold federal immigration laws. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the legal action in a statement to reporters on Wednesday.
The lawsuit, which also targets State Attorney General Letitia James and the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Commissioner Mark Schroeder, focuses on the state’s “green light law.” This legislation prohibits the state from sharing vehicle and address information with federal immigration authorities.
Filed in federal court in Albany, the complaint asserts that New York’s law conflicts with the U.S. Constitution, which mandates that federal law takes precedence over state and local laws that may contradict it. The Justice Department seeks a court order to prevent the enforcement of the law.
Bondi emphasized that the law undermines federal immigration efforts, particularly through a “tip-off provision” that compels the DMV to notify individuals when federal authorities request their personal information.
“This is a new DOJ, and we are taking decisive action to protect Americans,” Bondi told reporters. “New York has chosen to prioritize the interests of illegal immigrants over those of American citizens.”
In response, Attorney General James defended the law, asserting that it safeguards the rights of all New Yorkers and promotes public safety. “Our state laws, including the Green Light law, are designed to protect the rights of all New Yorkers and maintain the safety of our communities,” she said in a statement.
The lawsuit follows closely on the heels of another similar legal challenge against Illinois, where the Justice Department sued over the state’s sanctuary law, known as the TRUST Act. The department argued that the law obstructs federal immigration enforcement and violates the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, which affirms the primacy of federal law.
Bondi warned other states, “We did it to Illinois. Strike one. Strike two is New York, and if you’re a state not complying with federal law, you’re next.”
These lawsuits represent the latest push by the Trump administration to strengthen immigration enforcement. Prior to Bondi’s appointment, the department issued a directive to federal prosecutors, urging them to prioritize immigration-related cases and consider criminal investigations against state and local officials who resist federal immigration efforts.
However, no criminal charges have yet been filed in connection with these directives.
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