A high-stakes legal and political confrontation has unfolded between U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and New York Attorney General Letitia James, fueled by a federal lawsuit over immigration policies and separate allegations of residency fraud. A YouTube video titled “Full Letitia James Violations Exposed – Pam Bondi Confuses James – New York Court Made Verdict,” posted on February 14, 2025, has amplified the narrative, claiming James faces devastating charges and a court ruling against her. However, these claims are misleading—no New York court has issued a verdict suspending James, and the legal battles remain ongoing. This article examines the DOJ’s lawsuit, the residency allegations, and the misinformation swirling around the feud, drawing on verified sources to clarify the facts.

The Immigration Lawsuit: Targeting New York’s Green Light Law

On February 12, 2025, Pam Bondi, newly sworn in as U.S. Attorney General, announced a civil lawsuit against New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James, and Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark Schroeder. The Department of Justice (DOJ) alleges that New York’s Green Light Law, enacted in 2019, obstructs federal immigration enforcement. The law allows undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses without proving legal residency, aiming to improve road safety. Bondi claims it prevents state agencies from sharing DMV data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and mandates notification to immigrants when federal agents request their information, thus aiding evasion of federal law.

“We have filed charges against the state of New York, Kathy Hochul, Letitia James, and Mark Schroeder,” Bondi declared at a press conference, flanked by FBI, ATF, and DEA agents. “New York has chosen to prioritize illegal aliens over American citizens. It stops today.” The lawsuit, filed in Albany County federal court, follows a similar action against Illinois and Chicago, signaling a Trump administration crackdown on “sanctuary” jurisdictions. Bondi warned other states: “If you are not complying with federal law, you’re next.”

New York’s leadership dismissed the lawsuit as politically motivated. Governor Hochul called it “smoke and mirrors” and “publicity-driven,” noting that the Green Light Law has been upheld in prior court challenges. “We expect Pam Bondi’s worthless lawsuit to be a total failure,” she said on February 13, 2025. James vowed to defend the law, stating, “Our state laws, including the Green Light Law, protect the rights of all New Yorkers and keep our communities safe. I am prepared to defend our laws, just as I always have.”

Legal experts question the DOJ’s case. Donald Chesworth, an attorney with Tully Rinckey PLLC, told CBS6 Albany that while the federal government has authority over immigration, New York’s policies may not violate federal law. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers to states, and notifying immigrants of ICE inquiries may not meet the threshold for obstruction.

Residency Allegations: A Separate Controversy

In addition to the immigration lawsuit, Bondi’s DOJ is reviewing allegations against James referred by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) on April 14, 2025. The FHFA claims James misrepresented a Norfolk, Virginia, property as her primary residence in 2023 to secure favorable mortgage terms, despite New York’s requirement that its attorney general maintain state residency. The allegations surfaced amid James’ 2023 civil fraud lawsuit against Donald Trump and the Trump Organization, intensifying political tensions.

During an April 16, 2025, Fox News interview, Bondi confirmed the DOJ was reviewing the referral but cautioned, “No one in my office has read it yet. Of course, we’ll be reviewing it.” Former President Trump amplified the issue on Truth Social, calling James a “totally corrupt politician” and demanding her resignation. James’ office rejected the allegations as a “weaponization of the federal government against the rule of law,” with a spokesperson telling Axios that James remains focused on protecting New Yorkers.

Posts on X have exaggerated the residency issue. One user claimed James “falsified documents” and “listed her father as her spouse,” but no credible sources corroborate these details. The FHFA referral remains under review, with no formal charges filed as of April 20, 2025.

Misinformation and Sensationalist Claims

The YouTube video referenced, posted by a channel known for provocative content, claims James’ “violations” have been “exposed,” Bondi has “confused” her, and a New York court issued a verdict. These assertions are false. No court has ruled on the immigration lawsuit or residency allegations, and James remains in office, actively defending New York’s policies. The video’s title and narrative align with a wave of sensationalist content, including YouTube videos claiming Bondi “slapped charges” or “nuked” James, some suggesting she faces jail time.

Bondi’s use of the term “filed charges” during her February 12 press conference contributed to the confusion. CNN Senior Legal Analyst Elie Honig noted that the phrase typically implies criminal prosecution, but the DOJ’s action is a civil lawsuit. “Ninety-nine out of 100 civilians understand that to mean criminal charges,” Honig said. The DOJ’s delay in releasing the complaint—nearly 24 hours after Bondi’s announcement—further fueled speculation, with some analysts suggesting it was a strategic warning to New York.

Social media has amplified the misinformation. An X post on February 12, 2025, celebrated Bondi “filing CHARGES against Letitia James,” misrepresenting the civil lawsuit as a criminal case. Another video claimed James was “charged” in an “illegal FEMA scam,” a baseless assertion tied to the federal government’s seizure of $80 million in FEMA funds from New York for disaster relief redirection.

Broader Political Context

The clash reflects a broader Trump administration strategy to confront Democratic strongholds. On February 5, 2025, Bondi signed memos establishing a “Weaponization Working Group” to investigate alleged misuse of legal authority against Trump, explicitly naming James, Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, and Special Counsel Jack Smith. The administration’s immigration agenda, backed by Bondi’s DOJ, includes lawsuits against sanctuary jurisdictions and directives to prosecutors to prioritize enforcement.

New York’s Green Light Law, the lawsuit’s focal point, has been divisive. Supporters argue it enhances public safety by ensuring all drivers are licensed and insured, citing studies showing reduced crash rates. Critics, including Bondi, claim it shields undocumented immigrants from federal law. The law’s provision allowing federal access to DMV data with a judicial warrant complicates the DOJ’s case, as Hochul emphasized: “That’s a common-sense approach most New Yorkers support.”

The residency allegations against James also tie into her legal battles with Trump. Her 2023 fraud lawsuit against the Trump Organization preceded the FHFA referral, suggesting a retaliatory motive. Trump’s public attacks on James, coupled with Bondi’s DOJ review, underscore the personal and political stakes.

Legal and Political Implications

The immigration lawsuit faces significant obstacles. Courts have upheld the Green Light Law in prior challenges, and proving direct harm to federal interests may be difficult. The Tenth Amendment protects state autonomy, and New York’s policies align with public safety goals. The residency allegations, while serious, remain preliminary, with no evidence of a court verdict or formal charges.

Politically, the feud galvanizes both sides. Bondi, a Trump loyalist and former Florida AG, leverages her role to advance the administration’s agenda, but her aggressive rhetoric risks perceptions of politicized justice. James, a prominent Trump critic, strengthens her base by framing the attacks as retribution. The misinformation, spread through YouTube and X, exploits this polarization, distorting public understanding.