Attorney General Pam Bondi has issued a strong warning to select states as part of President Donald Trump's administration’s dedication to enforcing federal immigration laws.
Fox News reported that under her purview, Bondi aims to find and deport illegal aliens in states such as Illinois and New York, further asserting her commitment by pursuing new litigation against states alleged to be non-compliant.
Bondi was a recent appointment in Trump's government, officially taking office on February 5. Her early asserted intentions include tackling violent crime, reducing government inefficiency, and combating drug cartels. Her strong stance on immigration demonstrates a focus she intends to push as one of her priorities.
Recent appearances and statements make it clear that Bondi views adherence to federal law as non-negotiable. “You better comply with federal law, or you will be next,” she remarked during a public address, signaling her strategic direction aimed at enforcing policies on immigration.
The states of Illinois and New York have already been named as primary targets for the intensified enforcement measures. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker was quick to vocalize his skepticism and criticism towards Bondi's and Trump's policies, following her announcement.
During a statement in Chicago on February 7, Pritzker expressed defiance, stating that Illinois follows the law under his governance.
He further fueled the debate by criticizing Trump, noting that the former president underestimates the state's resolve.
In a similar vein, New York Governor Kathy Hochul dismissed Bondi’s planned legal actions as a publicity stunt, describing the potential lawsuit as “worthless.” Hochul, who made her perspective known on February 12, predicts the litigation will not succeed.
Bondi has articulated her belief that her approach is firmly grounded in federal law. In her viewpoint, the immigration policies she is enforcing are backed by the legal system.
She criticizes state actions that she perceives as offering protection to illegal aliens over U.S. citizens, a position she has publicly voiced.
“We are sick and tired of Americans being murdered,” Bondi communicated, expressing frustration with states she suggests shield illegal residents despite potential threats. She contends that these attitudes are not sustainable and signals the federal government’s intent to respond decisively.
Emphasizing her assertion, Bondi challenged the resistance from state leaders by inviting scrutiny over tragic cases, invoking personal stories of individuals affected by violent acts involving illegal aliens.
Bondi’s recent presence and speeches at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) 2025 prompted scrutiny, which she has addressed head-on.
When asked about criticism surrounding her participation there, she redirected the focus towards core issues she is passionate about addressing.
“Taking violent crime off the street, fighting the fentanyl epidemic… how is that partisan?” Bondi posits. She consistently reiterates that her intentions transcend political divides, spotlighting her fundamental missions.
With her debut in CPAC shortly following her appointment, her rhetoric suggests she aims to engender greater support for her approach and to solidify advocacy for the administration's immigration goals.
Bondi's assertive measures and publicized warnings are creating ripples across the political landscape, setting the stage for potential confrontations between state governance and federal enforcement priorities. Her remarks reflect a commitment to uphold the administration’s vision on a national scale.
