In a significant press conference held on Wednesday, February 12, Attorney General Pam Bondi, representing President Donald Trump, declared that she had spearheaded the Department of Justice in initiating legal action against the state of New York, its Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder. She accused these officials of neglecting to uphold federal immigration laws.
Specifically, Bondi pointed out that New York, through its “Green Light” law, had been granting driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants. During the press conference, she stated that the “new DOJ” would take measures to safeguard American citizens from the detrimental effects of illegal immigration, including crime and tragedy.
In her remarks regarding the charges filed against New York officials, she asserted, “We’re here today because we have filed charges against the state of New York. We have filed charges against Kathy Hochul. We have filed charges against Letitia James and Mark Schroeder, who is with DMV.”
She emphasized that her DOJ would differ from previous administrations, declaring, “This is a new DOJ, and we are taking steps to protect Americans, American citizens and angel moms.” She further remarked, “New York has opted to prioritize illegal aliens over American citizens. This ends today. We sued Illinois. New York did not heed our warnings. Now it is your turn.”
Attorney General Bondi criticized New York’s notorious “Green Light Law.” Enacted in 2019, this legislation permits “all New Yorkers aged 16 and above to apply for a standard, non-commercial driver license or learner permit for purposes other than federal use, irrespective of their citizenship or lawful status in the United States.”
Bondi condemned the law and emphasized that her Department of Justice would adopt a firm stance against illegal immigration and its repercussions, even to the extent of confronting New York. She stated, “Violent criminals, gang members, drug traffickers, and human smugglers will no longer instill fear in the American populace, and that is the purpose of our gathering today.”
Furthermore, Bondi expressed her reluctance to engage in litigation against Governor Hochul and others, yet affirmed her commitment to pursue legal action in this instance and others until state officials align with federal regulations. Bondi remarked, “We do not wish to sue you. We do not desire to prosecute individuals. Our goal is for people to adhere to the law.”
During the press conference, AG Bondi also mentioned that her initial focus was on Illinois, another state known for its pro-illegal immigration stance, but since New York did not respond appropriately, she is now compelled to address New York as well. She asserted, “New York has opted to favor illegal immigrants over American citizens. This must cease. It must cease. It must cease today. We took legal action against Illinois, and New York ignored our warnings, so now, you are next.” Watch Bondi here:
This lawsuit arises in conjunction with other actions taken by Bondi to combat states that support illegal immigration. For instance, after assuming the role of Attorney General, she issued a directive halting any financial support to jurisdictions that “illegally interfere with federal law enforcement operations.” Additionally, she mandated that “State and local jurisdictions are required to adhere to relevant federal immigration laws” and that “state and local entities must not hinder, obstruct, or otherwise neglect to comply with lawful immigration-related directives.”
