New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced plans Friday to introduce legislation that would prohibit local law enforcement officers from acting as agents for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under federal agreements, commonly known as 287(g) programs. The proposal seeks to prevent local police and jails from being used for civil immigration enforcement while maintaining cooperation in criminal investigations.
Governor Hochul criticized federal immigration enforcement practices, stating that “unspeakable acts of violence” carried out under the “guise of public safety” and the “weaponization of local police officers for civil immigration enforcement will not stand in New York,” as she announced actions aimed at keeping law enforcement focused on protecting residents rather than “doing the job of ICE.”
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The legislation would end all existing 287(g) agreements in New York, joining seven other states that already restrict such arrangements. It also aims to protect sensitive locations, including homes, schools, hospitals, and places of worship, from federal immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant. Additionally, the bill would create a state-level legal path for residents to sue federal officers who violate constitutional rights.
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District Attorneys and law enforcement leaders from across the state expressed support for the proposals. Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez emphasized that the measures “keep local law enforcement focused on serious crime,” while Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple highlighted that “public trust isn’t separate from public safety,” underlining the importance of community confidence in law enforcement.
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Some county officials have expressed opposition. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman criticized the legislation, asserting that Hochul shows “a callous disregard for the safety of our communities.” Other local law enforcement agencies, however, clarified that the proposal would not hinder collaboration with federal authorities in criminal investigations.
Hochul’s announcement comes amid heightened debate over federal immigration enforcement following recent deadly operations in other states. The governor emphasized that the legislation seeks to balance the enforcement of the law with protecting constitutional rights and community trust across New York.
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