At a major press conference held on Wednesday, February 12, Attorney General Pam Bondi—speaking on behalf of President Donald Trump—announced that the Department of Justice is filing legal action against the state of New York. The lawsuit targets Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder, accusing them of failing to follow federal immigration law.
Bondi’s main concern centers on New York’s “Green Light” law, which allows undocumented immigrants to apply for standard driver’s licenses. She said this move puts American citizens at risk and claimed that the “new DOJ” under her leadership would act more aggressively to protect public safety.
“We’ve officially filed charges,” Bondi stated. “We’re holding Kathy Hochul, Letitia James, and Mark Schroeder accountable for choosing to put undocumented immigrants before American citizens.”
She made it clear this administration would take a tougher approach than in the past, promising to stand with families affected by immigration-related crime. “This is about protecting Americans—including the moms who have lost children to illegal immigrants,” she said. “New York has ignored our concerns. Now, it’s your turn.”
Bondi strongly criticized the Green Light Law, which went into effect in 2019 and allows anyone over 16, regardless of immigration status, to obtain a driver’s license. She argued that this law undermines federal authority and opens the door for criminal activity.
“Violent criminals, drug traffickers, and human smugglers should never feel safe here,” Bondi declared. “We are taking a stand—and it starts now.”
Though she said lawsuits are not her preferred approach, Bondi added that her office will continue to sue states that, in her view, violate federal immigration laws. “We’re not doing this because we want to,” she said. “We’re doing it because we have to. The law matters.”
This isn’t Bondi’s first move—she previously took legal action against Illinois over similar immigration policies. Since New York didn’t respond to earlier warnings, she said it left her no choice.
“This must stop. We’ve taken action against Illinois. Now, New York is next,” she said.
Bondi’s broader strategy includes cutting funding to any local governments that block federal immigration enforcement. Her office has made it clear: states and cities must cooperate with federal law—or face the consequences.