Pam Bondi Unveils Federal Lawsuit Against New York Over Immigration Law Disputes

In her first major announcement since being sworn in as U.S. Attorney General, Pam Bondi held a press conference on Wednesday revealing a new federal lawsuit filed against the state of New York, Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder. The lawsuit alleges that the state is in violation of federal immigration law due to policies that protect undocumented individuals from enforcement actions.

Standing before a crowd of reporters in Washington, D.C., Bondi firmly stated, “This is a new Department of Justice. New York has chosen to prioritize individuals in the country unlawfully over law-abiding citizens. That ends today.”

The federal complaint centers on New York’s “Green Light” laws, a series of measures that permit undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses. Bondi argued that these laws actively hinder law enforcement by limiting access to crucial information about individuals stopped during traffic enforcement actions. According to the Justice Department, certain federal agencies are restricted from accessing DMV data without a state-issued warrant, complicating federal immigration operations.

“They are essentially giving a green light to people who may pose a threat,” Bondi said. “Our officers on the ground need access to background information to do their jobs safely. When that access is denied, it puts those officers at risk.”

The lawsuit comes just one week after the Justice Department moved against similar sanctuary policies in Illinois. Bondi framed the New York lawsuit as part of a broader effort to reinforce federal immigration law compliance nationwide. “Illinois was strike one,” she said. “New York is strike two. To any other state in violation — you’re next.”

Governor Kathy Hochul issued a strong response late Wednesday evening, dismissing the lawsuit as “worthless” and motivated by media attention rather than legal merit. “Our laws already allow access to DMV data with a judicial warrant,” she said. “That’s the balanced approach New Yorkers expect — privacy protection with appropriate legal oversight.”

Hochul also addressed concerns about the security and privacy of everyday residents: “No one is giving unfettered access to personal data, especially not teenagers just learning to drive or vulnerable communities trying to build a future.”

Letitia James, New York’s Attorney General, echoed Hochul’s stance, asserting that state laws such as the Green Light law uphold both public safety and the rights of residents. “I am fully prepared to defend our laws — just as I always have,” she said.

Wednesday’s press event also featured a deeply emotional testimony from Tammy Nobles, a Maryland mother whose daughter, Kayla Hamilton, was tragically killed in 2022. Nobles shared her experience to underline what she described as the real-life consequences of insufficient immigration enforcement.

“My daughter was only 20,” she said tearfully. “She had her entire life ahead of her. The man who took her life should never have been here. DHS didn’t check his background, and that failure cost us everything.”

Bondi stood beside Nobles, offering support and vowing to ensure that no other family would experience such a tragedy due to lapses in law enforcement coordination. “This isn’t about politics,” Bondi said. “This is about protecting American families and making sure our system is functional, fair, and enforced.”

The lawsuit will likely set off a complex legal battle between state and federal authorities. Legal experts note that the case could hinge on the balance of power between states’ rights to manage their own public safety laws and the federal government’s responsibility for national immigration policy.

Though the matter is now in the hands of the courts, the case has reignited debate over the broader issue of cooperation between local jurisdictions and federal immigration agencies. Advocates on both sides of the issue have weighed in — some emphasizing public safety and national security, while others stress civil liberties and privacy rights.

As the story unfolds, Bondi’s Justice Department appears committed to a more aggressive approach to state compliance with federal statutes. “We aren’t targeting states for political reasons,” Bondi concluded. “We are holding them accountable to the law.”

The case is expected to proceed in federal court later this year, where both sides will have the opportunity to present evidence and arguments. In the meantime, the policy debate will likely continue across state lines and within communities grappling with the complexities of immigration, safety, and the role of government.