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After reviewing the arguments and legal precedents, she concluded that the federal government had failed to demonstrate a constitutional violation, writing, “The Court concludes that Plaintiff has failed to state such a claim.” This ruling effectively allows New York to continue enforcing the Green Light Law while providing a clear legal rebuff to the Trump administration’s attempt to challenge it in court.
The legal and political context surrounding the case underscores why the Green Light Law has been so controversial. When the DOJ filed its lawsuit, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi criticized the statute, asserting that Governor Hochul and Attorney General James were prioritizing undocumented immigrants over American citizens. The DOJ argued that the law prevents federal officers from accessing critical driving records during traffic stops, potentially complicating enforcement efforts and posing safety risks to law enforcement personnel.
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