While AG Bondi’s announcement during a highly publicized press conference garnered considerable attention, a less reported aspect was Governor Hochul’s vehement response issued on February 12, following the charges against her. In her press release, she launched an angry tirade against AG Bondi’s actions, which also targeted New York Attorney General Letitia James, stating, “Earlier today, Attorney General Pam Bondi staged a dramatic media briefing to announce she was filing charges against New York State concerning our immigration laws.”
The far-left Governor of New York further dismissed the charges as mere “smoke and mirrors,” arguing that they were based on outdated laws, yet she did not clarify how a breach of an old law could be deemed insignificant. She remarked, “Hours later, when legal documents were shared with reporters, we discovered this was smoke and mirrors: the Department of Justice was pursuing a routine civil action regarding a law enacted in 2019 that has consistently been upheld by the courts.”
Hochul then asserted that New York is sufficiently supporting the federal government in its efforts against illegal immigration, a claim that seems implausible given the sanctuary status of areas like New York City. She stated, “Here are the facts: our current laws permit federal immigration officials to access any DMV database with a judicial warrant. This is a common-sense approach that most New Yorkers endorse.”
Not finished, the progressive governor continued to express her defiance regarding immigration policies.In defense of sanctuary policies and in support of immigrants against the Trump Administration, Governor Hochul stated, “New York takes pride in being a destination for individuals from around the world who seek a better life—much like my grandparents who emigrated from Ireland in pursuit of the American dream. We embrace law-abiding individuals eager to work, contribute to our economy, and enhance our communities, all while ensuring the safety of every New Yorker by addressing violent crime.” She concluded by asserting her refusal to assist the Trump Administration with its anti-illegal immigration measures, expressing her belief that Bondi’s efforts would be unsuccessful. She remarked, “We anticipate that Pam Bondi’s ineffective, publicity-seeking lawsuit will fail, just as all previous attempts have. Let me be clear: New York will not retreat.”
Watch Attorney General Bondi announce the charges here:
