The Biden-era free-for-all on immigration may finally be hitting a wall.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has just filed a lawsuit against the State of New York, Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder, alleging that the state’s policies on immigration enforcement violate federal law.
For years, states like New York have defied federal immigration laws, creating sanctuary cities where illegal immigrants are shielded from deportation.
Now, under new leadership, the DOJ—led by Attorney General Pam Bondi—is taking action to rein in rogue states that refuse to enforce the law.
At its core, this lawsuit is about whether New York can keep ignoring federal immigration laws.
The DOJ is arguing that New York’s policies, which limit cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement, are flat-out illegal.
For example, New York’s “Green Light Law” blocks federal immigration authorities from accessing DMV records, making it harder to track down illegal immigrants who commit crimes. It also prohibits local law enforcement from sharing information with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement)—a policy that has let countless criminals slip through the cracks.
Attorney General Bondi made it clear that the DOJ isn’t messing around.
“New York has chosen to prioritize illegal aliens over American citizens. It stops and it stops today.”
Translation? The law applies to everyone—including liberal-run states like New York.
For years, Democrat-led states have acted like they don’t have to follow federal immigration laws.
New York has been at the forefront of this, creating policies that actively protect illegal immigrants from deportation—even if they’ve committed serious crimes.
Take the case of Reeaz Khan, an illegal immigrant from Guyana who was arrested for sexually assaulting and murdering a 92-year-old woman in Queens. ICE had issued a detainer request for Khan before the attack, but because of New York’s sanctuary policies, he was released back onto the streets.
That’s the real-world cost of these policies—innocent Americans pay the price while politicians pat themselves on the back for being “compassionate.”
Now, the DOJ is stepping in to restore law and order and ensure that states can’t simply ignore federal law when it suits their political agenda.
Of course, Democrats are furious about this lawsuit.
Governor Kathy Hochul defended New York’s policies, arguing that they are designed to protect immigrant communities from unfair targeting.
Attorney General Letitia James said “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.”
This lawsuit could set a major precedent for how immigration laws are enforced in the United States.
If the DOJ wins, it could force states like California, Illinois, and Massachusetts to start cooperating with federal authorities instead of actively undermining them.
The lawsuit is just the beginning.
If the courts rule against New York, it could open the door for even tougher enforcement measures—like pulling federal funding from sanctuary cities that refuse to follow immigration laws.
Bondi made it clear that this is just the start.
“President Trump has directed this to stop. And if you don’t comply with federal law, we will hold you accountable. We did it to Illinois, strike one. Strike two is New York, and if you are a state not complying with federal law, you’re next, get ready.”
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
