The Department of Justice, led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, has launched a lawsuit against New York over its policies shielding illegal immigrants from federal immigration enforcement. The lawsuit, filed Wednesday, names Gov. Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder as defendants.

“This is a new DOJ and we are taking steps to protect Americans,” Bondi stated during a press conference. “New York has prioritized illegal aliens over American citizens. That stops today.”

The lawsuit focuses on New York’s Green Light Law, which grants driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants while restricting state agencies from sharing DMV records with federal immigration authorities. It also mandates that illegal immigrants be notified if their information is requested by federal officials, a provision the DOJ claims obstructs enforcement efforts.

According to Bondi, blocking access to state records makes it more difficult for law enforcement to do its job. “If officers can’t access background information, they don’t know who they’re dealing with,” she said.

This lawsuit follows a similar case against Illinois, as the Trump administration continues its crackdown on states with sanctuary policies. Former President Joe Biden’s administration defended such laws, but Bondi signaled that the DOJ under Trump is actively working to dismantle them.

Hochul has pushed back on the lawsuit, saying that New York will continue to support immigrants. Bondi, however, warned that other states with similar policies should expect legal action.