During a press conference on February 12, Attorney General Pam Bondi, representing President Trump, announced that the Department of Justice was filing charges against New York,
Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder for allegedly failing to enforce federal immigration laws.
Bondi criticized New York’s 2019 “Green Light” law, which allows undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. She argued the law prioritizes undocumented immigrants over American citizens and pledged that the “new DOJ” would take a tougher stance on illegal immigration.
She stated the DOJ had already taken action against Illinois and would now target New York for ignoring federal concerns. Bondi said her goal isn’t to prosecute but to ensure state officials comply with immigration laws, warning that violent criminals and smugglers would no longer be allowed to operate freely.
