Trump Border Czar Tom Homan Criticizes New York's Green Light Law and Sanctuary Policies Amid Lawsuit by Pam Bondi

Tom Homan, President Donald Trump's border czar, visited Albany, New York, on March 12, 2025, to support Republican efforts to challenge the state's sanctuary policies. During his visit, Homan criticized New York's Green Light Law, which allows undocumented immigrants to obtain driver's licenses while restricting federal access to state DMV records. He also endorsed Republican legislation, including Laken's Law, aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement by requiring courts and law enforcement to notify ICE of certain arrests or convictions of non-citizens and repealing the Protect Our Courts Act. Homan's visit coincided with a lawsuit filed by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi against New York Governor Kathy Hochul over the state's driver's license law. He also criticized Hochul for attempting to limit New York City Mayor Eric Adams' cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Homan mentioned his meetings with Adams, who has agreed to cooperate with federal immigration actions, including reopening an ICE facility at Rikers Island Jail. Amid protests from Democratic lawmakers and immigrant advocates, Homan remained composed, notably eating an apple as he walked through the New York State Capitol, unfazed by the demonstrators. His visit underscores the ongoing tension between federal immigration enforcement and state sanctuary policies. Democrats are pushing for the New York for All Act to expand sanctuary protections and the Access to Representation Act to establish the right to an attorney in immigration court. Homan also addressed the arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist, stating that Khalil's green card status does not grant him the same free speech rights as U.S. citizens.