AG Bondi Files Charges Against NY Governor Hochul, State AG James Over Sanctuary Policies

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The Justice Department has filed charges against New York state officials, including Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James, for shielding illegal immigrants from federal law, newly sworn-in Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Wednesday.

Key Facts:

  • The charges target Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and New York DMV Commissioner Mark Schroder.
  • New York’s Green Light Law allows illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses.
  • The law also blocks federal agencies from accessing state driver’s license records.
  • Bondi warned other states that they would face similar consequences for noncompliance.
  • This follows similar legal action against Illinois, making New York the second state targeted under Bondi’s leadership.

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The Rest of The Story:

New York’s Green Light Law, also called the Driver’s License Act, has been a subject of controversy since it was first enacted in 2019.

The law allows illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses while simultaneously preventing federal agencies, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), from accessing state driver’s license databases without a court order.

This means that even if federal authorities suspect an individual of immigration violations, they cannot easily access New York’s records to verify identity or status.

Critics argue this law directly obstructs federal immigration enforcement efforts and provides a layer of legal protection for those who entered the country unlawfully.

Supporters of the law claim it improves road safety by ensuring all drivers, regardless of immigration status, are licensed and insured.

However, law enforcement officials and immigration authorities have raised concerns that blocking access to state databases makes it significantly harder to track criminals who may be using false identities or evading deportation orders.

By charging state officials, the Justice Department is making it clear that federal law supersedes state policies when it comes to immigration enforcement.

Pam Bondi’s legal action against New York follows a similar case against Illinois, where state laws also shielded illegal immigrants from federal oversight.

Her warning signals that any state choosing to defy federal immigration laws could face serious legal consequences.

Commentary:

Pam Bondi is wasting no time in her new role, and it’s about time.

For too long, sanctuary policies have allowed state and local officials to openly defy federal law, creating safe havens for illegal immigrants while making it harder for federal authorities to do their jobs.

New York’s Green Light Law is a prime example of state leaders prioritizing politics over public safety.

The idea that a state can prevent federal agencies from accessing critical records is absurd.

The federal government has primacy over immigration enforcement, and Bondi is making it clear that she won’t tolerate state officials obstructing federal law.

The fact that Illinois was already hit with similar action shows that this isn’t just rhetoric—there are real consequences coming for states that ignore immigration laws.

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This move by Bondi also highlights the broader issue of Democratic governors and mayors thinking they can operate in defiance of federal authority.

The Constitution is clear: immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility.

No amount of political grandstanding can change that.

Some will claim this is an attack on “immigrant rights,” but that argument doesn’t hold up.

Legal immigrants follow the process and respect the law.

What’s at issue here is whether state leaders can shield illegal immigrants from the consequences of breaking federal laws.

The answer, under Bondi, is no.

The Bottom Line:

New York officials are facing legal consequences for enacting policies that shield illegal immigrants from federal law.

Pam Bondi’s actions send a clear message—states cannot ignore immigration laws without repercussions.

With Illinois already targeted and more states likely on the list, this could mark a turning point in the battle over sanctuary policies.

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