By Two can apparently play at this game. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Wednesday that the Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against the state of New York and several high-ranking officials, accusing them of prioritizing undocumented immigrants over American citizens and obstructing federal immigration enforcement efforts. The lawsuit specifically names Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark Schroeder, challenging state policies that Bondi argues prevent local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities.
During her first press conference since taking office, Bondi criticized New York’s approach, asserting that its restrictions on law enforcement collaboration with immigration officials have allowed violent offenders to evade federal authorities, leading to increased crime and drug-related violence.
“As you know, we sued Illinois, and New York didn’t listen. So now you’re next,” Bondi said, according to USA TODAY.
Bondi said the lawsuit targets what she called New York’s policy of limiting law enforcement agencies from working with immigration authorities, allowing dangerous criminals to operate with impunity across state lines.
She brought to the dais an “Angel Mom,” Tammy Nobles, whose 20-year-old daughter, Kayla Hamilton, was killed in 2022 by a member of the MS-13 gang in New York “who should not have been in our country.”
Yet he was released, flown to Maryland, where he committed this violent murder,” Bondi said.
“That’s who we were letting walk into our country, and that’s why President Trump has directed this to stop,” Bondi said in her brief remarks. “And if you don’t comply with federal law, we will hold you accountable.”
In response, Attorney General Letitia James defended the state’s policies, emphasizing that they are designed to protect residents and uphold public safety. “I am prepared to defend our laws, just as I always have,” she stated.
The lawsuit against New York follows a similar case filed last week against Illinois and Chicago, as the Justice Department works to dismantle state and city policies that restrict cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Bondi’s announcement comes amid broader legal challenges to the Trump administration’s agenda, with federal judges recently blocking several executive actions, including attempts to freeze government spending, limit automatic citizenship, and restructure federal agencies. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt accused the judiciary of deliberately obstructing the administration, stating that liberal judges had issued multiple injunctions in recent weeks.
Despite calls from some Trump allies, including Elon Musk, for the impeachment of federal judges, Bondi dismissed the idea. “We’re going to follow the law right now. These are federal judges with lifetime appointments. But they will be struck down ultimately by the Supreme Court of the United States if the appellate courts don’t follow the law as well,” she said.
As a former Florida attorney general and experienced prosecutor, Bondi has been a close Trump ally, previously defending him during his first impeachment trial. Her appointment as Attorney General has drawn scrutiny from Democrats, who question whether she can act independently of the president’s political interests.
At her confirmation hearing, Bondi insisted that her decisions would not be politically motivated. “Politics will not play a part,” she stated. “I’ve demonstrated that my entire career as a prosecutor, as attorney general, and I will continue to do that.”
Sen. Klobuchar: “So you will provide an insurance…that the DOJ will only follow the facts and the law and the White House will play no role in cases investigated or brought?”
Bondi: “It will be my job if confirmed as AG to make those decisions. Politics will not play a part.” pic.twitter.com/WCN4BDI1MI
— The Bulwark (@BulwarkOnline) January 15, 2025
Bondi has hit the ground running as attorney general. Shortly after being sworn in, President Donald Trump’s Attorney General, Pam Bondi, issued a series of 14 executive directives on Wednesday. Among these “first-day” orders, she directed the Justice Department to establish a task force to investigate the alleged “weaponization” of the agency and to curb probes into foreign influence. Additionally, she cautioned career attorneys within the department against attempting to obstruct Trump administration policies.
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