A set of lawsuits in Manhattan being filed jointly Monday by New York City and New York State Monday takes aim at the Trump administration’s plans to target immigrants for deportation if they’ve lawfully used public benefits.
The Manhattan Federal Court cases being brought by a coalition of states and cities, led by the offices of New York Attorney General Tish James and Mayor Mamdani, seek to halt what they describe as “catastrophic” new government policies from taking effect. The states’ case takes aim at a new policy that would permit immigration officials to punish immigrants for lawful use of public benefits.
The cities’ case targets a Department of Homeland Security rule that would give individual immigration agents sweeping discretion to deny green cards for any use at all of public benefits.
Mamdani and James, who is running for lt. governor in the upcoming election, had scheduled a news conference late Monday morning to discuss the lawsuits.
“Hardworking families should not be forced to go without the support they need because they fear asking for assistance will get them deported,” James said, ina statement.
“This rule preys on that fear and counts on families forfeiting the food assistance, health care coverage, and other public benefits to which they are legally entitled,” the statement added.
This story is developing and will be updated.