Trump drags New York Governor to court over “Immigration Law dispute”

The Donald Trump administration has initiated legal action against New York Governor Kathy Hochul and other state officials, accusing them of failing to enforce federal immigration laws.

The lawsuit, filed by the U.S. Justice Department in a federal court in Albany on Wednesday, challenges New York’s “Green Light Law,” which restricts state authorities from sharing vehicle and address information with federal immigration officials.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the lawsuit, emphasizing that the administration is taking steps to ensure compliance with federal immigration enforcement.

The Justice Department argues that the Green Light Law violates the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause, which establishes that federal law takes precedence over state laws.

The complaint specifically targets a provision in the law that requires the New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to notify individuals when federal immigration officials request their information.

Bondi criticized this provision, stating that it undermines cooperation with federal authorities and prioritizes the interests of undocumented immigrants over American citizens.

“This is a new DOJ, and we are taking steps to protect Americans,” Bondi said. “New York has chosen to prioritize illegal aliens over American citizens.”

In response, New York Attorney General Letitia James defended the state’s position, asserting that the Green Light Law protects the rights of all New Yorkers and enhances community safety. “We are prepared to defend our laws,” James stated.

The lawsuit against New York follows a similar legal challenge filed by the Justice Department against Illinois earlier this week.

In that case, the administration targeted Illinois’ TRUST Act, a “sanctuary law” that limits state cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Bondi warned other states that fail to comply with federal immigration laws, saying, “We did it to Illinois—strike one. Strike two is New York. If you’re a state not complying with federal law? You’re next.”

These lawsuits are part of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to crack down on states implementing pro-immigrant policies, often referred to as “sanctuary” laws.

The administration argues that such policies obstruct federal immigration enforcement, while states defend them as necessary protections for immigrant communities.

The legal battle highlights the ongoing tension between state and federal authorities over immigration policy.

New York’s Green Light Law, enacted to safeguard the privacy and rights of immigrants, has now become a focal point in this national debate.

This lawsuit is the latest in a series of clashes between the Trump administration and states over immigration enforcement.

Earlier, several states sued the administration over executive orders aimed at restricting immigration, arguing that such measures violated constitutional rights and state sovereignty.

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