New York – In a bold move to safeguard New York City’s safety and immigrant communities, Attorney General Letitia James has filed an amicus curiae brief defending the city’s sanctuary laws against a lawsuit by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
In the face of the DOJ’s challenge to NYC’s sanctuary policies, which restrict local law enforcement from aiding federal immigration enforcement, AG James contends that these measures are vital for public safety. The city’s sanctuary laws enable immigrants to interact with local law enforcement without fear of deportation, allowing them to report crimes, serve as witnesses, and seek assistance.
‘Our sanctuary laws help keep our communities safe,’ declared AG James. ‘New York was built by immigrants, and efforts to overturn these locally enacted protections are unjust and unconstitutional. I will always defend New York’s immigrant communities and the rule of law.’
Originating in the 1980s, NYC’s sanctuary laws have been supported by both Republican and Democratic mayors. They limit local officials’ involvement in federal immigration enforcement and direct police resources to local public safety priorities, such as combating crime and reducing gun violence. These policies also foster trust between immigrant communities and municipal officials.
Research has shown that policies like those in New York improve public safety by allowing immigrants to contact police and other local officials without risking their or their family members’ immigration status. It’s important to note that NYC’s laws do not impede local-federal cooperation on criminal matters.
In July 2025, the DOJ sued the city of New York over its sanctuary policies. In her amicus brief, AG James argues that these laws are consistent with state and federal statutes and are not preempted by them. The Attorney General also explains that NYC’s sanctuary laws make the city safer, citing a study that revealed half of immigrants, including more than two-thirds of undocumented individuals, were less likely to report crimes or provide information to local police out of fear of immigration inquiries.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: NY AG
- Category: Public Corruption|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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