In a bold move against state-level immigration policies, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed lawsuits against New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder. The lawsuits challenge the state’s controversial “Green Light” laws, which the DOJ claims protect undocumented immigrants at the expense of American citizens.
At a press conference announcing the legal action, the Attorney General made it clear that the new DOJ is prioritizing public safety over sanctuary policies. “New York has chosen to prioritize illegal aliens over American citizens,” she declared. “It stops today.”
This lawsuit follows a similar case against Illinois, where the DOJ took action against what they see as unlawful state interference in federal immigration enforcement. “New York didn’t listen—so now you’re next,” she warned.
The Tragic Story of Kayla Hamilton: A Call for Change
The press conference highlighted the heartbreaking case of Kayla Hamilton, a 20-year-old woman who was raped and murdered in 2022 by an MS-13 gang member who had entered the U.S. illegally.
Tammy Nobles, Kayla’s mother and an “Angel Mom,” took the stage to share her daughter’s story. “Her murderer was able to come across the border knowing that he was flagged as an MS-13 gang member,” she said.
The killer had a criminal record in El Salvador for gang-related crimes but was allowed into the U.S. as an “unaccompanied minor.” The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) dismissed concerns about his background, describing him as a “nice boy” who exhibited “age-appropriate behavior.”
Once in the U.S., he was flown to Maryland, where he was able to rent a room in the same mobile home where Kayla lived. The mobile home was owned by another undocumented immigrant, who knew the killer from El Salvador and allowed him to stay.
“Kayla had just turned 20, three days before she was murdered. He strangled her, raped her, robbed her of six dollars, and left her on the floor like trash,” Nobles said, her voice breaking.
After his arrest, the killer allegedly admitted to committing four murders and two rapes.
DOJ’s Case Against Hochul, James, and New York’s “Green Light” Laws
The DOJ’s lawsuits specifically target New York’s Green Light laws, which prohibit law enforcement from checking the immigration status of individuals during routine stops and deny federal authorities access to DMV records.
One of the most controversial provisions of these laws is a “tip-off” policy that requires the DMV commissioner to notify an undocumented immigrant when a federal immigration agency requests their records. The DOJ argues this effectively shields criminals from law enforcement.
“This is tipping off an illegal alien, and it’s unconstitutional,” the Attorney General stated. “That is why we have filed this lawsuit.”
States That Do Not Comply Will Be Held Accountable
The Attorney General clearly stated that this lawsuit is just the beginning. States that fail to comply with federal immigration laws will face legal consequences.
“We did it to Illinois. Strike one. Strike two is New York. And if you’re a state not complying with federal law, you’re next. Get ready,” she warned.
She also underscored the risk to law enforcement officers who cannot verify the identities of the individuals they encounter. “They have no idea who they’re dealing with, and it puts their lives on the line every single day,” she said.
The Attorney General also addressed concerns about leaks from within federal agencies that could jeopardize ICE operations targeting undocumented criminals.
“Anytime anyone leaks or tips off information regarding a pending investigation, it jeopardizes lives,” she said. “We will find you, investigate, and prosecute you.”
When asked about the potential impeachment of federal judges for failing to enforce immigration laws, she declined to comment directly but expressed frustration with the judicial system. “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,” she asserted.
The DOJ hopes that legal pressure will force states like New York to abandon sanctuary policies that protect violent criminals.
“We don’t want to sue you; we don’t want to prosecute people. We want people to comply with the law,” the Attorney General emphasized.
She pointed to cases like Kayla Hamilton’s as a tragic example of the real consequences of lax immigration enforcement. “One Angel Mom is too many,” she said. “We have Angel Moms throughout this country who should not be going through this.”
As legal battles unfold, the future of immigration enforcement in the U.S. remains a contentious and closely watched issue. “It ends today,” she declared. “We’re coming after you.”
