DOJ Files Lawsuit, Challenges New York Officials

Department of Justice emblem on the American flag.

The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against New York officials over the state’s “Green Light Law,” which allows illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses and restricts federal access to their information.

Key Insights

DOJ sues New York officials, including Governor Hochul and AG James, over immigration policies.
The “Green Light Law” allows illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses and restricts federal access to their information.
Attorney General Pam Bondi warns other states to comply with federal law or face similar actions.
New York officials defend the law, stating it protects the rights of all New Yorkers.
The lawsuit is part of a broader effort by the administration to enforce federal immigration laws.

DOJ Takes Legal Action Against New York’s “Green Light Law”

Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on February 12 that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against New York officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder. The lawsuit targets New York’s “Green Light Law,” which allows individuals who may be in the U.S. illegally to obtain driver’s licenses and restricts federal access to their information.

The DOJ claims that New York has chosen to prioritize illegal immigrants over U.S. citizens. The “Green Light Law” allegedly includes a “tip off” provision requiring the DMV to notify illegal immigrants if federal agencies request their information, further impeding federal immigration enforcement efforts.

Federal Government’s Stance on Immigration Enforcement

Attorney General Bondi emphasized the administration’s commitment to enforcing federal immigration laws during a press conference at the DOJ in Washington. She warned other states that they would be “next” if they didn’t comply with federal law, stating, “If you don’t comply with federal law, we will hold you accountable.”

“This is a new DOJ, and we are taking steps to protect Americans…New York has chosen to prioritize illegal aliens over American citizens. It stops today.” – Attorney General Pam Bondi

The lawsuit against New York follows similar actions against Illinois and Chicago, highlighting the administration’s broader effort to enforce federal immigration laws across the country. Bondi referenced these previous actions, stating, “We did it to Illinois, strike one. Strike two is New York.”

Impact on Families and Communities

During the DOJ press conference, Bondi highlighted the case of Tammy Nobles, whose daughter was murdered by an MS-13 member, to emphasize the administration’s stance on immigration. She referred to “Angel moms,” mothers whose children were killed by illegal immigrants, stating, “One Angel mom is too many.”

The lawsuit seeks to re-establish federal precedence in immigration matters and serves as a cautionary tale for other states contemplating similar laws that could challenge national immigration enforcement efforts.

New York’s Response to the Lawsuit

New York officials have defended their stance on the “Green Light Law.” Attorney General Letitia James stated that the law protects the rights of all New Yorkers and ensures community safety. She expressed her readiness to defend the state’s laws, as she has done in the past.

“Our state laws, including the Green Light law, protect the rights of all New Yorkers and keep our communities safe. I am prepared to defend our laws, just as I always have.” – Letitia James

In response to the lawsuit, Governor Kathy Hochul postponed a scheduled meeting with President Trump, signaling potential tension between state and federal authorities over immigration policies. As the legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen how this clash between state and federal immigration policies will impact both New York residents and the broader national immigration debate.