The Trump administration filed a lawsuit against New York on Wednesday, accusing the Democratic-led state of obstructing federal efforts to crack down on undocumented migrants.

The lawsuit comes just a week after the Justice Department took similar legal action against the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago, both of which have “sanctuary” policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

“We sued Illinois, and New York didn’t listen,” U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said at a press conference. “New York has chosen to prioritize illegal aliens over American citizens. That stops today.”

Bondi warned that states failing to comply with federal immigration laws would face consequences. “If you don’t comply, we will hold you accountable. And if you are a state not following federal law, you’re next.”

Trump’s Immigration Crackdown

During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump vowed to carry out the largest mass deportation of undocumented migrants in U.S. history. The lawsuit against New York is part of that broader effort.

Bondi criticized New York’s policies, particularly restrictions preventing law enforcement officers from checking the immigration status of motorists pulled over for traffic violations.

“If an officer pulls someone over and doesn’t have access to their background, they have no idea who they’re dealing with,” she said.

She also took issue with a provision in New York’s Department of Motor Vehicles, which she claimed notifies undocumented immigrants when federal agencies request their information.

“It’s unconstitutional, and that’s why we filed this lawsuit,” Bondi stated.

Public Safety Concerns

At the press conference, Bondi was joined by a woman whose 20-year-old daughter was murdered by a member of the MS-13 gang—someone the attorney general argued should never have been allowed into the country.

“No parent should have to suffer the loss of a child at the hands of someone who shouldn’t even be here,” Bondi said. “Millions of illegal aliens with violent records have flooded into our communities, bringing violence and deadly drugs with them.”

Despite these claims, studies have shown that U.S. citizens commit crimes at higher rates than undocumented immigrants.

Sanctuary Policies in Trump’s Crosshairs

Since taking office, Trump has declared immigration enforcement a “national emergency” and signed executive orders stating that undocumented migrants pose “significant threats to national security and public safety.”

His administration has long targeted sanctuary cities and states, which limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities—policies that are largely implemented by Democratic leaders.

“These sanctuary policies provide safe havens for illegal aliens,” a statement from the White House read. “Innocent Americans are paying the price.”

The legal battle over immigration enforcement is expected to escalate as Trump continues his push for stricter policies nationwide.