New York Attorney General Letitia James has taken action to support New York City’s sanctuary laws, which are designed to enhance public safety and protect immigrant communities. In an amicus curiae brief filed in a case brought by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) challenging these laws, James argued that limiting local law enforcement and municipal officials’ involvement in enforcing federal civil immigration laws is crucial for public safety. According to her office, these policies allow immigrants to interact with local police without fear, enabling them to report crimes, serve as witnesses, and seek help. The policies also direct local law enforcement resources toward priorities such as crime reduction and gun violence prevention.
James called on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York to grant the city’s motion to dismiss the DOJ’s lawsuit.
“The sanctuary laws of New York City help keep our communities safe,” said Attorney General James. “Our city was built by immigrants, and attempts by this administration to overturn local laws that protect them are unfair and unconstitutional. I will always defend New York’s immigrant communities and uphold the rule of law.”
Sanctuary laws in New York City date back to the 1980s and have received bipartisan support from both Republican and Democratic mayors. These measures restrict municipal officials’ participation in federal civil immigration enforcement, ensuring that police resources focus on local public safety concerns. They also aim to build trust between immigrant communities and city officials. Research indicates that such policies improve public safety by allowing immigrants to contact authorities without risking their or their families’ immigration status. The city’s laws do not limit cooperation between local and federal authorities in criminal matters.
In July 2025, the DOJ sued New York City over its restrictions on participation in federal civil immigration enforcement. In her brief, James contended that these city laws align with state and federal statutes and are not preempted by them. She noted that New York law does not authorize local police agencies to arrest or detain individuals for civil immigration violations, even at the request of federal authorities.
James also cited research showing that half of immigrants—and more than two-thirds of undocumented immigrants—are less likely to report or provide information about crimes due to fears about questions regarding their immigration status. By limiting municipal involvement in immigration enforcement, she argued, immigrants are encouraged to report crimes, serve as witnesses, seek medical care, and access other city services without fear.
Throughout her tenure, James has been active nationally in defending immigrant communities. Over the past year she has filed amicus briefs supporting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for immigrants from several countries including Haiti, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Nepal, and Honduras; sued to protect Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for legal permanent residents; successfully defended a state law preventing civil arrests at courthouses; obtained an injunction blocking attempts by the Trump administration to tie FEMA and DHS funds to state immigration actions; and filed an amicus brief supporting Rochester’s sanctuary city ordinances.
The New York Attorney General promotes social justice through civil rights enforcement and consumer advocacy while protecting residents’ rights across various areas including public safety and environmental preservation. The office operates statewide through regional offices addressing local legal issues as part of its role as a public law enforcement agency led by Letitia James.
