Bondi Announces Lawsuit Against New York Over Handling of Illegal Immigration

Attorney General Pam Bondi, joined by Tammy Nobles (L), mother of Kayla Hamilton who was killed by an illegal immigrant, speaks during a press briefing at the Department of Justice in Washington on Feb. 12, 2025. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

WASHINGTON—Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Feb. 12 that the Department of Justice (DOJ) was suing New York officials and accused the state of prioritizing illegal immigrants over U.S. citizens.

“If you don’t comply with federal law, we will hold you accountable,” she said at a press conference at DOJ headquarters in Washington. She told other states they were “next” if they didn’t comply. The lawsuit came after another filing alleging that the state and local laws in Illinois interfered with federal immigration enforcement.

The lawsuit is targeting New York Attorney General Letitia James, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, and New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Commissioner Mark Schroeder. During her remarks, Bondi focused on New York’s “Green Light Law,” which she said prevents officers from having access to illegal immigrants’ backgrounds.

In response, Hochul said in a post on X that her team expects the “worthless, publicity-driven lawsuit to be a total failure.”

“New York is proud that immigrants from across the globe come here searching for a better life, and we’re protecting all New Yorkers by cracking down on violent criminals,” the governor wrote.

Bondi said the state had a “tip off” provision that requires the DMV to inform illegal immigrants if a federal agency requests their information.

During a press conference at the DOJ, Bondi introduced Tammy Nobles, who spoke about how an MS-13 member murdered her daughter.

“One angel mom is too many,” Bondi said, referring to moms whose children die at the hands of illegal immigrants.

Bondi’s announcement came as the administration pursued multiple avenues for beefing up immigration enforcement. Earlier this month, Bondi ordered a pause on all funds to sanctuary jurisdictions.

“Unlawful border crossings and illegal migration into the United States have reached record levels, resulting in a substantial and unacceptable threat to our national security and public safety,” she said in a Feb. 5 memo.