Congresswoman Tenney Demands Answers from New York Attorney General Letitia James on Allegations of Downgraded Gun Charges for Illegal Immigrants

Oswego, NY — Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today sent a letter to New York Attorney General Letitia James demanding answers about allegations that New York City prosecutors have reduced or altered criminal charges, including firearm offenses, to help foreign nationals avoid deportation.

An October 26, 2026, House Judiciary Committee report raised concerns that New York City district attorneys have considered immigration consequences when prosecuting foreign nationals, including allegations that prosecutors were instructed to structure firearm charges or conviction records to avoid triggering deportation. At an October 29 press conference focused on combating gun violence, James and several New York City district attorneys declined to answer a reporter's question about these allegations. In her letter, Tenney called on James to disclose whether her office has directed or coordinated with prosecutors to alter firearm charges based on immigration consequences, whether she was aware of such policies, and whether she supports or opposes these practices.

“It is deeply troubling that prosecutors are reducing or eliminating firearm charges to protect foreign nationals from deportation,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Public safety should never take a back seat to political agendas. Albany politicians have spent years targeting law-abiding gun owners and bending the rules for illegal immigrants and foreign nationals. This is the very definition of a two-tiered justice system: one for American citizens and one for foreign nationals. Attorney General James owes New Yorkers a clear answer, and I will continue demanding transparency and accountability to ensure our laws are enforced and our communities are protected.” 

To read Congresswoman Tenney's full letter to Attorney General James, click here.

###