Trump government takes legal actions against New York City

(MENAFN) The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against New York City and several officials, including Mayor Eric Adams, challenging the city’s sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The DOJ claims these policies deliberately obstruct federal law enforcement efforts.

Under President Donald Trump’s administration, there has been an intensified crackdown on Democratic-led cities with sanctuary policies, combining legal challenges with large-scale immigration enforcement raids.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi accused New York City of releasing thousands of criminals who then commit violent acts due to its sanctuary rules, asserting, “If New York City won’t stand up for the safety of its citizens, we will.”

Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate added that the city has been a leading example of interfering with federal immigration enforcement, arguing the sanctuary policies violate federal law under the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause.

Mayor Adams responded by defending the core principles of the city’s local laws but acknowledged they may be too lenient toward violent offenders. He called on the city council to reconsider the policies to improve cooperation with the federal government.

This lawsuit is part of a broader wave of legal actions by the Trump administration targeting sanctuary jurisdictions, with recent lawsuits filed against Los Angeles, New York State, Colorado, Illinois, and several New Jersey cities.

Meanwhile, Louisville’s mayor announced the city will abandon its sanctuary status and start cooperating with the federal government, warning that resistance could trigger aggressive immigration raids similar to those seen in California.

MENAFN26072025000045015687ID1109845788