Judge dismisses DOJ lawsuit against Rochester over sanctuary policies

Source: WHAM-TV Rochester, NY

Fri, November 14, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Updated Fri, November 14, 2025 at 11:32 PM


Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — A judge has dismissed a lawsuit from the United States Department of Justice against the City of Rochester over its sanctuary policy.

Judge Frank Geraci ruled the city amended key policies referenced by the DOJ that were not addressed in the department's final brief, according to the decision and order paperwork obtained from the United States District Court for the Western District of New York.

"I don't think we can claim victory at this point," said City Council President Miguel Melendez, who was sued along with the rest of the council and Mayor Malik Evans.

Melendez, recalling the March press conference in which he and other city leaders drew attention to a controversial traffic stop on Whitney Street involving Rochester police officers and federal immigration officers, said he had no idea at the time his name would appear on the lawsuit.

Read more: https://13wham.com/news/local/judge-dismisses-doj-department-of-justice-lawsuit-against-rochester-over-sanctuary-policies