DOJ Sues NYC, Mayor Adams Over Sanctuary Policies

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against New York City, Mayor Eric Adams, and other officials, alleging that the city's sanctuary policies obstruct federal immigration enforcement and have allowed dangerous criminals to remain on the streets. The lawsuit comes in the wake of a recent shooting of an off-duty Border Patrol officer by suspects in the country illegally, which Trump administration officials blame on New York's refusal to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer requests. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that if city leaders will not protect residents, the federal government will intervene. Mayor Adams responded by defending the intent of sanctuary laws but criticized the City Council for not modifying them to address violent criminals, and he also blamed former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s bail reforms for creating a 'revolving door' justice system. This lawsuit is part of a broader DOJ effort, with similar legal actions filed against other sanctuary cities like Los Angeles, Colorado, and New Jersey, arguing such policies violate the Constitution's Supremacy Clause. Critics of the city's approach, including DHS and former border officials, argue that New York’s sanctuary measures have directly contributed to increased crime and hindered federal law enforcement.