Pam Bondi takes the gloves off: New York’s liberal leadership faces federal lawsuit over sanctuary policies

By willowt // 2025-02-13

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New Attorney General Pam Bondi announced a lawsuit against New York State, Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James and DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder for failing to enforce federal immigration laws.
The lawsuit targets New York's "Green Light Law," which allows undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses while blocking federal immigration authorities from accessing DMV data.
Bondi's announcement is part of the Trump administration's broader strategy to hold sanctuary cities and states accountable for defying federal mandates on immigration.
The DOJ's aggressive approach marks a departure from the previous administration's handling of immigration enforcement, indicating a willingness to use the courts to enforce federal laws.
The lawsuit highlights the ongoing debate over states' rights, federal authority and the impact of sanctuary policies on American citizens, as exemplified by the tragic case of Tammy Nobles' daughter.

In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, newly sworn-in Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Wednesday that the Department of Justice (DOJ) is suing New York State, Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James and DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder for their failure to enforce federal immigration laws. The lawsuit marks a significant escalation in the Trump administration’s ongoing crackdown on illegal immigration and sanctuary city policies, signaling a new era of accountability for states that defy federal mandates.

A new DOJ, a new approach

At her first press conference as Attorney General, Bondi made it clear that the DOJ under her leadership will not tolerate states prioritizing illegal immigrants over American citizens. “This is a new DOJ, and we are taking steps to protect Americans,” Bondi declared. “New York has chosen to prioritize illegal aliens over American citizens. It stops. It stops today.” Bondi’s announcement came flanked by federal law enforcement officials and Tammy Nobles, an “Angel Mom” whose daughter was tragically killed by an illegal immigrant and gang member. Nobles, who has become a symbol of the human cost of lax immigration enforcement, stood silently but powerfully behind Bondi as the Attorney General laid out the charges. The lawsuit specifically targets New York’s controversial “Green Light Law,” which allows undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses while blocking federal immigration authorities from accessing DMV data. Bondi emphasized that Schroeder, the DMV commissioner, was personally named in the lawsuit because of his role in implementing this law.

A warning to other states

Bondi’s actions are part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to hold sanctuary cities and states accountable. Last week, the DOJ filed similar lawsuits against Illinois, Cook County and Chicago, arguing that their sanctuary policies “interfere” with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) ability to arrest and deport illegal immigrants. “New York didn’t listen, so now you’re next,” Bondi warned during the press conference. She also issued a stark warning to other states, indicating that the DOJ is prepared to take legal action against any jurisdiction that fails to comply with federal immigration laws. This aggressive approach is a marked departure from the previous administration’s handling of immigration enforcement. Under President Trump, the DOJ has made it clear that states and cities that refuse to cooperate with federal authorities will face consequences.

Historical context: A nation divided over immigration

The battle over sanctuary cities is not new. For decades, liberal strongholds like New York, California and Illinois have enacted policies designed to shield undocumented immigrants from federal immigration enforcement. These policies, often justified as humanitarian efforts, have sparked fierce debate over states’ rights, federal authority and the rule of law. The Trump administration’s crackdown on sanctuary cities began in earnest during his first term, with former Attorney General Jeff Sessions threatening to withhold federal funding from jurisdictions that refused to cooperate with ICE. However, legal challenges and resistance from Democratic leaders slowed progress. Now, with Bondi at the helm of the DOJ, the administration is taking a more direct approach: suing states and their leaders personally. This shift reflects a broader strategy to use the courts to enforce federal immigration laws and set a precedent for future administrations.

The human cost of sanctuary policies

At the heart of Bondi’s announcement was the story of Tammy Nobles, whose daughter’s life was cut short by an illegal immigrant with a criminal history. Nobles’ presence at the press conference served as a poignant reminder of the real-world consequences of sanctuary policies. “I stand here today because my daughter can’t,” Nobles said in a recent White House video. “Her life was taken by someone who should never have been in this country. We need to enforce our laws to protect American families.” Bondi echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the DOJ’s actions are about more than politics—they’re about protecting American lives. “We are here to stand up for Angel Moms, for American citizens and for the rule of law,” she said.

What’s next for New York?

The lawsuit against New York comes just one day after the DOJ dropped corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who has signaled a willingness to cooperate with the Trump administration on immigration enforcement. This move suggests that the DOJ is willing to work with local leaders who align with federal priorities while holding those who don’t accountable. When asked what the DOJ is seeking from the lawsuit, Bondi said the next steps depend on how New York’s leaders respond. “They have to comply with federal law,” she stated. “We will see what they do next.” For now, the lawsuit serves as a warning to other states considering similar sanctuary policies. As Bondi put it, “This is a new DOJ, and we are not backing down.”

A defining moment for immigration enforcement

Pam Bondi’s lawsuit against New York and its liberal leadership is more than just a legal battle—it’s a defining moment in the ongoing struggle over immigration enforcement in the United States. By taking direct action against states that defy federal law, the Trump administration is sending a clear message: the era of sanctuary cities is over. As the case unfolds, it will undoubtedly spark heated debates over states’ rights, federal authority and the role of immigration in American society. But for Bondi and the Trump administration, the priority is clear: protecting American citizens and upholding the rule of law. For New York and other sanctuary jurisdictions, the choice is simple: comply with federal law or face the consequences. Sources include: X.com DailyMail.com