DOJ Sues New York Over Immigration Policies

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against New York State, Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and DMV chief Mark Schroeder over policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

What the Lawsuit is About

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the lawsuit, criticizing New York for protecting undocumented immigrants instead of American citizens. The lawsuit targets the state’s “Green Light Law,” which allows undocumented immigrants to get driver’s licenses. The law also prevents the DMV from sharing personal information with federal immigration agencies unless a judge orders it. If a federal agency requests a person’s information, the DMV must notify that person.

Bondi said, “New York didn’t listen when we sued Illinois. Now, they’re next.”

The lawsuit argues that access to DMV records is crucial for immigration enforcement. Federal agencies use these records during traffic stops, border crossings, and arrests. The DOJ claims New York’s policies make law enforcement officers less safe and prevent them from doing their jobs effectively.

New York Officials Respond

Governor Hochul’s press secretary, Avi Small, stated that Hochul supports deporting violent criminals but believes that law-abiding families should not be targeted. Attorney General James defended the law, saying it protects the rights of all New Yorkers and keeps communities safe.

Reports suggest that Governor Hochul and former President Trump may meet next week in Washington, D.C., during the National Governors Association meeting to discuss the issue.

Federal Crackdown on Sanctuary Policies

The lawsuit follows the DOJ’s recent request for a federal judge to strike down similar sanctuary policies in Illinois and Chicago. The federal government argues that these policies interfere with immigration enforcement and make it harder to remove people who are in the U.S. illegally.

On her first day in office, Bondi also froze all DOJ funding for “sanctuary jurisdictions” like New York and California for 60 days. In 2023, New York City alone received more than $1.56 billion in law enforcement grants, which could now be at risk. Federal funding for city agencies was expected to exceed $8 billion in 2025, but Bondi has ordered a review to block funding to organizations that provide services to undocumented immigrants.

Immigration Enforcement Ramping Up

Tom Homan, the head of border enforcement, has been increasing deportations, with 11,000 migrants removed so far, many convicted of crimes. Some deportees have been sent to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, while others were flown back to their home countries.

Congressional Republicans have long pushed for ending sanctuary policies, arguing they allow criminals to avoid deportation and commit more crimes. The Laken Riley Act, the first bill signed by President Trump upon returning to office, forces states to deport migrants charged with serious crimes like theft and assault. The law was named after a Georgia nursing student killed by an undocumented immigrant with a criminal record.

What’s Next?

Trump also signed an executive order directing Bondi to review state and local sanctuary policies, cut federal funding, and impose penalties on those refusing to cooperate with immigration authorities. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is working with the DOJ to reclaim federal funds from jurisdictions violating immigration laws.

New York’s DMV chief Mark Schroeder has not yet commented on the lawsuit.