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 asserted that the “new DOJ” would take measures to safeguard American citizens from the dire consequences of illegal immigration, including crime and tragedy.
In her remarks regarding the charges brought against New York officials, she stated, “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 subsequently remarked that her Department of Justice (DOJ) will differ from what Americans have previously experienced, stating, “This is a new DOJ, and we are taking steps to protect Americans, American citizens and angel moms.” She further stated, “New York has opted to prioritize illegal aliens over American citizens. This ends today. We have filed a lawsuit against Illinois. New York did not heed our warnings. Now it is your turn.”
Attorney General Bondi proceeded to criticize New York’s notorious “Green Light Law.” Enacted in 2019, this legislation permits “all New Yorkers aged 16 and older to apply for a standard, non-commercial driver license or learner permit that is not intended for federal purposes, irrespective of their citizenship or lawful status in the United States.”
Bondi condemned this law and emphasized that her DOJ would adopt a firm stance against illegal immigration and its repercussions, even to the extent of confronting New York. She asserted, “Violent criminals, gang members, drug traffickers, and human smugglers will no longer instill fear in the American populace, and that is the reason we are gathered here today.”
Continuing, Bondi expressed her reluctance to engage in legal action against Hochul and others; however, she would proceed with this case and similar ones until state officials align with and adhere to federal law. Bondi stated, “Our intention is not to sue you. We do not wish to prosecute individuals. Our goal is for everyone to comply with the law.”
AG Bondi also remarked during the press conference that her initial focus was on Illinois, a state known for its pro-illegal immigration stance. However, since New York did not respond, she is now compelled to pursue action against New York as well. She stated, “New York has opted to prioritize illegal aliens over American citizens. This must end. It must end. It must end today. We took legal action against Illinois, and New York ignored our warnings, so now, you are next.” Watch Bondi here:
This lawsuit arises alongside 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 obstruct federal law enforcement activities.” 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 orders.”
