During a significant press conference held on Wednesday, February 12, Attorney General Pam Bondi, representing President Donald Trump, announced that she had spearheaded the Department of Justice in filing charges 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 enforce federal immigration laws. Specifically, Bondi pointed out that New York’s ‘Green Light’ law permitted the issuance of driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants. In her remarks at the press conference, she stated that the ‘new DOJ’ would take measures to safeguard American citizens from the detrimental effects of illegal immigration, including crime and tragedy.
She stated, while addressing the issue and specifying the individuals in New York against whom her Department of Justice has initiated legal action, “We are present today because we have lodged charges against the state of New York. We have initiated charges against Kathy Hochul, Letitia James, and Mark Schroeder, who is affiliated with the Department of Motor Vehicles.”
She emphasized that her Department of Justice will differ from previous administrations, stating, ‘This is a new DOJ, and we are implementing measures to safeguard Americans, including American citizens and angel moms.’ She continued, ‘New York has opted to prioritize illegal immigrants over American citizens. This ends today. We have filed a lawsuit against Illinois. New York has ignored our concerns. Now, it is your turn.’
AG Bondi criticized New York’s notorious ‘Green Light Law,’ which was enacted in 2019. This legislation permits all individuals aged 16 and above in New York to apply for a standard, non-commercial driver license or learner permit, irrespective of their citizenship or legal status in the United States.
Bondi condemned this law and emphasized that her Department of Justice would adopt a vigorous approach against illegal immigration and its repercussions, even confronting New York if necessary. She stated, ‘Violent criminals, gang members, drug traffickers, and human smugglers will no longer instill fear in the American populace, and that is the purpose of our gathering today.’
Bondi expressed her reluctance to engage in legal action against Hochul and others; however, she is prepared to proceed with this case and similar ones until state officials adhere to federal law. She stated, ‘Our intention is not to initiate lawsuits or prosecute individuals, but rather to ensure compliance with the law.’
During the press conference, AG Bondi remarked that her initial focus was on Illinois, a state known for its leniency towards illegal immigration. However, as New York failed to respond, she is now compelled to address the situation there as well. She stated, ‘New York has opted to prioritize illegal immigrants over American citizens. This must end. It must end. It must end today. We have taken legal action against Illinois, and since New York did not heed our warnings, you are now the next target.’
This lawsuit is part of Bondi’s broader efforts to combat states that support illegal immigration. For instance, after assuming the role of Attorney General, she mandated the cessation of funding to any jurisdictions that unlawfully disrupt federal law enforcement activities.
Additionally, she instructed 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 fail to comply with lawful immigration directives.
