Newly appointed Attorney General Pam Bondi announced a lawsuit against New York State, Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder, citing their non-compliance with federal immigration law. The lawsuit centers around New York's Green Light Law, which allows undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses and restricts federal access to state driver's license data.

Bondi emphasized the danger this poses to law enforcement officers, stating that it prevents them from verifying identities and accessing background information during traffic stops. She warned other states with similar sanctuary policies, referencing a prior lawsuit against Illinois and Chicago, and declaring that New York is "strike two."

Governor Hochul dismissed the lawsuit as a "worthless" publicity stunt, arguing that current laws already permit federal access to DMV data with a warrant. She defended New York's stance on welcoming immigrants and emphasized the importance of protecting New Yorkers' personal information.

New York Attorney General Letitia James echoed Hochul's sentiments, stating her readiness to defend the state's laws. Bondi was joined at the press conference by Tammy Nobles, whose daughter was tragically murdered by an undocumented immigrant and MS-13 gang member. Nobles criticized the Department of Homeland Security for failing to properly vet the individual, who entered the country as an unaccompanied minor.

Bondi urged compliance with federal law, emphasizing the tragic consequences of non-compliance as exemplified by Nobles' story. She reiterated the Justice Department's preference for cooperation over litigation, stating their ultimate goal is to prevent further tragedies.

This escalating legal battle highlights the ongoing tension between federal immigration enforcement and state sanctuary policies.