Bondi announces new lawsuits against states allegedly failing to comply with immigration actions: ‘A new DOJ’
FOX NewsFEB 13
DOJ Sues NY, State Leaders Over Immigration Law
Above: US Attorney General Pam Bondi speaks during a news conference Feb. 12, 2025, to announce charges against the state of New York for failure to enforce federal immigration laws. Image copyright: Anna Moneymaker/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
US Attorney General Pam Bondi on Wednesday announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against New York state, Gov. Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder over the state's Green Light Law, which allows undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses.
The law, enacted in 2019, permits New York residents over 16 to apply for driver's licenses regardless of immigration status and includes privacy protections that limit data sharing with federal immigration enforcement agencies.
Bondi described the provision requiring the DMV to notify individuals when federal immigration agencies inquire about them as unconstitutional. She also accused New York of prioritizing "illegal aliens over American citizens."
The Spin
Republican narrative
This type of action is just what the Trump administration promised in order to rid the country of dangerous illegal immigrants and make America safe again. New York's law puts its citizens in danger, and this suit should be a warning to other states that are similarly putting their people at risk.
Democratic narrative
The administration is filing this suit for publicity. New York's law sufficiently protects its citizens while also protecting the privacy rights of every individual under the Constitution. The federal government has no right to meddle in New York's affairs related to this matter.
Metaculus Prediction
The Controversies
Political split
LEFT
RIGHT
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