Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Wednesday that the Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against New York state leadership, accusing officials of putting illegal immigrants ahead of American citizens. The suit names Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder as defendants.

BREAKING: @AGPamBondi announces the DOJ has filed charges against the State of New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul, AG Letitia James, and DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder.

"New York has chosen to prioritize illegal aliens over American citizens. It stops — it stops TODAY." pic.twitter.com/YkKAPTdtyX

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 12, 2025

“This is a new DOJ, and we are taking steps to protect Americans, American citizens, and angel moms, like the mom standing right behind me who you’re gonna hear from in a moment,” Bondi said. “New York has chosen to prioritize illegal aliens over American citizens. It stops today.”

She pointed out that similar action had already been taken against Illinois, stating, “As you know, we sued Illinois and New York didn’t listen. So now you’re next. Millions of illegal aliens with violent records have flooded into our communities, bringing violence and deadly drugs with them.” Bondi warned other states that failing to comply with federal law would result in legal consequences. “If you don’t comply with federal law, we will hold you accountable. We did it to Illinois, strike one. Strike two is New York. And if you are a state not complying with federal law, you’re next, get ready.”

Bondi criticized New York’s so-called “green light law,” which she said prevents law enforcement officers from verifying an illegal immigrant’s identity or checking their background during a traffic stop. She argued that this policy puts officers’ lives in danger. “Violent criminals, gang members, drug traffickers, human smugglers will no longer terrorize the American people. And that is why we are here today. You will be held accountable if you do not follow federal law. It’s over, it ends, and we’re coming after you.”

"President Trump has directed this to STOP," says @AGPamBondi after announcing action to hold New York and its officials accountable for violating federal immigration law.

"If you are a state not complying with federal law, you're next. Get ready." pic.twitter.com/t0CO9tHrxN

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 12, 2025

James, who has previously filed lawsuits against former President Donald Trump, is also leading a coalition of attorneys general challenging the administration’s cuts to fraud and waste under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).