Justice Department sues New York City over sanctuary laws

The Justice Department on Thursday sued New York City, including Mayor Eric Adams, in a challenge to the city's sanctuary laws as the Trump administration cracks down on illegal immigration. 

The department accused New York City of allowing criminals to freely roam the streets and commit serious crimes through its sanctuary policies, without proper repercussions. 

The administration claimed the sanctuary policies also obstructed efforts by federal law enforcement to crack down on illegal immigration and detain serious criminals. 

“New York City has released thousands of criminals on the streets to commit violent crimes against law-abiding citizens due to sanctuary city policies,” Attorney General Pamela Bondi said in a statement. “If New York City won’t stand up for the safety of its citizens, we will.”

The lawsuit is the latest action by the Trump administration to punish cities that attempt to thwart federal law enforcement efforts. The Justice Department has also sued New York state, Colorado, Illinois, Los Angeles and several New Jersey cities.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.