Pam Bondi has announced that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is suing the state of New York, accusing it of prioritizing undocumented immigrants over American citizens. “It stops today,” Bondi stated during a press conference.
The lawsuit targets New York Governor Kathy Hochul, State Attorney General Letitia James, and Mark Schroeder, the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) commissioner. Bondi, now serving as Attorney General under former President Donald Trump, claims that New York refuses to enforce federal immigration laws.
DOJ Takes Action Against New York’s Green Light Law
The lawsuit focuses on New York’s “Green Light” law, which allows undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses and prevents immigration officials from accessing DMV records without a warrant. The DOJ argues that this law obstructs federal enforcement efforts.
Attorney General Letitia James has defended the law, stating, “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.”
Bondi criticized New York’s policies, comparing them to Illinois, which was also sued for similar reasons. “New York didn’t listen, so now you’re next,” she warned.
Angel Mom Speaks Out Against Immigration Policies
During the press conference, Bondi introduced Tammy Nobles, an “Angel Mom”—a term used for parents who have lost children to crimes committed by undocumented immigrants.
Nobles’ daughter, Kayla Hamilton, was murdered in 2022 by a member of the MS-13 gang. She had just turned 20 when she was raped and killed by someone who, according to Bondi, “should not have been in our country.”
Tammy Nobles has been vocal about her daughter’s tragic death, blaming the Biden administration’s border policies. In 2023, she told Fox News, “If the border was more secure and people were properly vetted, my daughter would still be alive today.”
Trump Praises Bondi’s Appointment
Former President Donald Trump congratulated Bondi on her appointment as Attorney General. “She’s worked so hard, unbelievably fair, and unbelievably good at law,” Trump said. He also acknowledged her husband, John Wakefield, joking about his good looks.
Bondi, 59, was sworn in by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas after being confirmed by the Senate in a 54-46 vote.
This lawsuit marks the latest move by the Trump-aligned DOJ to challenge state-level immigration policies. New York officials, however, remain committed to defending their laws in court.
