In a press conference on Wednesday, February 12, President Donald Trump’s Attorney General, Pam Bondi, announced that the Department of Justice had filed charges against the state of New York, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and New York DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder. Bondi alleged that these officials had failed to enforce federal immigration laws, particularly with regard to New York’s “Green Light” law, which allowed illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses.

Bondi emphasized that the new DOJ would take a firm stance on illegal immigration and its consequences. She explained that the department’s actions aimed to protect American citizens from crime and other negative impacts caused by illegal immigration. She further criticized New York for prioritizing illegal aliens over American citizens, vowing that her DOJ would take action against states like New York that did not comply with federal law.

The “Green Light Law,” passed in 2019, allows all New Yorkers aged 16 and older to apply for a driver’s license or learner’s permit regardless of their citizenship or legal status. Bondi called out the law as part of New York’s disregard for federal immigration policy and vowed to take a strong stance against illegal immigration, including combating violent criminals, gang members, and drug traffickers.

Bondi acknowledged that she didn’t want to be involved in suing state officials but made it clear that she would continue to do so until officials complied with federal law. She reiterated the DOJ’s goal of ensuring compliance with the law rather than prosecuting individuals, emphasizing the department’s commitment to protecting American citizens.