NEW YORK CITY — NEW YORK ATTORNEY GENERAL LETITIA JAMES filed a court brief supporting New York City’s sanctuary laws, arguing the policies improve public safety by limiting local involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement.
The brief asks the Eastern District of New York to dismiss the Department of Justice lawsuit against the city. Federal officials challenged city rules that restrict cooperation with immigration enforcement outside criminal matters.
James said the laws allow immigrants to report crimes and cooperate with police without fear of deportation, strengthening investigations and community safety.
New York City’s sanctuary policies date to the 1980s and have been supported by multiple mayoral administrations. State law also does not authorize local police to arrest or detain people solely for civil immigration violations requested by federal authorities.
Federal prosecutors filed the lawsuit in July 2025. James argues the current policies are consistent with federal and state law and allow local officials to focus resources on crime and gun violence.