The Trump administration, through the U.S. Department of Justice, filed a federal lawsuit Thursday against New York City and key city leaders, including Mayor Eric Adams, alleging that the city’s longstanding “sanctuary city” policies obstruct federal immigration enforcement and jeopardize public safety.
The lawsuit, filed in the Eastern District of New York, challenges multiple municipal ordinances that delay or block cooperation with federal authorities unless a judicial warrant is presented. The DOJ contends these measures violate the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause by intentionally impeding federal enforcement efforts.
The legal action comes in the wake of a high‑profile incident in Upper Manhattan, where an off‑duty Customs and Border Protection officer was shot during a robbery. According to the complaint, the two alleged assailants, identified as undocumented migrants, were previously detained by city authorities but released under sanctuary provisions.
DOJ claims that such releases, made despite federal “detainer” requests, have enabled violent offenders to remain on the streets, placing residents—and law enforcement—at risk. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the city has “long been at the vanguard of interfering with enforcing this country’s immigration laws.”
The suit names not only the city but also its top public safety officials, including Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and Department of Correction Commissioner Lynelle Maginley‑Liddie, alleging institutional failure to honor federal demands that protect public safety.
In response, the mayor’s office said it was reviewing the lawsuit. A spokesperson emphasized that while Mayor Adams supports the “essence” of sanctuary protections, he has urged the City Council to revisit policies regarding violent offenders—a call that went unanswered by the council. The spokesperson noted the mayor’s commitment to safeguarding all New Yorkers, adding that residents must feel secure in reporting crimes.
This move by the Trump administration forms part of a broader legal offensive targeting sanctuary jurisdictions across the U.S., including Los Angeles, Chicago, Illinois, New Jersey, and Rochester. The DOJ is seeking a declaration that New York City’s sanctuary statutes are unconstitutional and an injunction barring their enforcement.
Supporters of sanctuary policies maintain that these laws foster trust between immigrant communities and local prosecutors, encouraging crime reporting without fear of deportation. However, federal officials argue that this trust has come at the cost of potentially enabling violent criminals.
Thursday’s lawsuit represents a significant escalation in tensions between the White House and New York City, spotlighting the contentious balance between federal immigration priorities and local autonomy.
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