Attorney General Pam Bondi made a significant announcement on Wednesday, disclosing that the Department of Justice has initiated legal action against the state of New York, Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder for their failure to enforce immigration laws.
During a press conference, Bondi emphasized that the new DOJ is committed to safeguarding American citizens, particularly drawing attention to the severe consequences of illegal immigration on families nationwide.
“We are here today to announce that we have filed charges against the state of New York, against Kathy Hochul, and against Letitia James and Mark Schroeder from the DMV,” Bondi remarked. “This represents a new DOJ, and we are taking decisive measures to protect Americans.”
This lawsuit arises amidst increasing discontent regarding New York’s sanctuary policies, which Bondi and federal prosecutors contend have jeopardized American lives. The case was partly prompted by the story of Tammy Nobles, whose daughter was tragically murdered by an MS-13 gang member from El Salvador.
Nobles, who stood with Bondi during the press conference, recounted her heartbreaking experience, explaining how New York’s lack of cooperation with federal immigration authorities allowed her daughter’s murderer to remain in the country.
“New York has opted to prioritize illegal aliens over American citizens. This must end. It must end today,” Bondi declared. “We have already sued Illinois, and since New York did not heed our warning, it is now your turn.”
The charges filed by the DOJ assert that New York state officials, including Hochul and James, have actively obstructed federal immigration enforcement efforts, thereby endangering public safety. Both Hochul and James have openly opposed federal immigration enforcement, and their administration’s policies have been associated with notable crimes involving illegal immigrants.
Since assuming office, Bondi has enacted a series of directives targeting sanctuary jurisdictions, mandating the cessation of such policies.
A memorandum indicated that “State and local jurisdictions are required to adhere to relevant federal laws concerning immigration,” and further specified that “state and local entities must not hinder, obstruct, or otherwise fail to comply with lawful directives related to immigration.”
Moreover, in a distinct memorandum, Bondi concentrated on the eradication of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, asserting that “enhanced resources and careful charging decisions” would be crucial in the fight against illegal drug trafficking, while underscoring the department’s objective of achieving the “complete dismantling” of these entities.
Recently, the Justice Department urged a federal judge to swiftly annul sanctuary policies in Illinois and Chicago, contending that state and local officials “pose a barrier to the Federal Government’s enforcement of immigration laws and exhibit discrimination against federal immigration enforcement.”
