Over the last few days, several state and federal attorneys general have been at the forefront of significant legal and policy developments.
In a contentious immigration issue, Florida Attorney General Pamela Bondi has spoken out against a federal judge's decision to block deportations. On March 15, 2025, Bondi released a statement criticizing the judge's order, which she argued prioritizes the interests of the Tren de Aragua group, represented by the ACLU, over public safety. Bondi emphasized that this decision disregards established authority regarding President Trump’s powers and puts the public and law enforcement at risk. She reaffirmed the Department of Justice's commitment to working with the White House and the Department of Homeland Security to address what she termed an "invasion" and to ensure public safety[1].
Meanwhile, New York Attorney General Letitia James has been actively engaged in various legal battles. On March 17, 2025, James secured a settlement with the NCAA to protect student athletes’ careers, a victory that aligns with a broader coalition effort led by Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares. This settlement, pending court approval, aims to reform college athletics by ending the NCAA’s illegal Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) recruiting ban, allowing student-athletes to negotiate compensation for their name, image, and likeness without restrictions[2][5].
Attorney General James has also taken action to protect New Yorkers from robocalls, securing a court order on March 18, 2025. Additionally, she has led a coalition opposing changes to a new federal passport rule that could harm transgender individuals and has sued the Trump administration to stop the dismantling of the Department of Education and protect students[2].
In Minnesota, Attorney General Keith Ellison announced a new chapter in negotiations between the University of Minnesota, Fairview, and Essentia Health regarding the future of academic medicine in the state. On March 19, 2025, Ellison revealed that the parties have agreed to engage in renewed discussions facilitated by a strategic facilitator to chart a path forward, focusing on promoting the public interest in patient care, academic research, and healthcare quality[3].
Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares also celebrated a major victory for student-athletes against the NCAA. The bipartisan coalition of states, which included Virginia and Tennessee as lead plaintiffs, reached a final settlement that, if approved by the court, will empower student-athletes to freely negotiate compensation for their name, image, and likeness. This settlement marks a significant shift in college athletics, ensuring greater economic freedom and transparency for student-athletes[5].
These recent actions highlight the proactive roles attorneys general are taking to address a wide range of issues, from immigration and education to healthcare and consumer protection, demonstrating their commitment to upholding the law and protecting public interests.