The Department of Justice has launched a lawsuit against New York, accusing the state of preventing federal immigration enforcement. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the legal action Wednesday, specifically naming Gov. Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder in the case.
At issue is the Green Light Law, which allows illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses while barring federal immigration agencies from accessing state DMV records. It also mandates that individuals be notified when federal officials request their information, a measure the DOJ says hinders enforcement efforts.
Bondi emphasized that this lawsuit follows a similar case against Illinois, making it clear that states obstructing federal immigration efforts will be held accountable. The administration argues that such policies put law enforcement officers at risk and prevent effective immigration control.
State leaders have defended the law, saying it protects immigrant communities from discrimination. However, critics argue that blocking information sharing only benefits those who wish to avoid detection by authorities.
The Trump administration has vowed to take further action against states that refuse to comply with federal immigration enforcement, a departure from the stance taken under former President Joe Biden’s administration.
With multiple legal challenges now underway, the Justice Department has signaled that additional lawsuits could follow as it seeks to dismantle state-level protections for illegal immigrants.
