Governor Kathy Hochul on Friday announced legislation aimed at strengthening protections for New Yorkers and limiting federal involvement in local law enforcement. The proposal would prohibit state and local police from participating in federal civil immigration enforcement through 287(g) agreements, prevent the use of local resources for federal immigration operations, and bar federal agents from using local detention centers for civil immigration enforcement, mass raids, or transporting detainees.
“This legislation will safeguard our communities against dangerous federal overreach and ensure that New York law enforcement is focused on keeping New Yorkers safe – not doing the job of ICE,” Hochul said. The Governor’s plan builds on her recent efforts to protect constitutional rights and restrict civil immigration enforcement at sensitive locations, including homes.
The proposal drew sharp criticism from Nassau County Executive and Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman. He argued the ban would tie the hands of police and compromise public safety.
“By banning local law enforcement partnerships with ICE, Hochul is allowing dangerous criminals to return to our neighborhoods,” Blakeman said. He highlighted several cases where ICE collaborated with local police to apprehend individuals with serious criminal convictions, including murder, sexual assault, gang activity, and other violent offenses.
Blakeman said these agreements help law enforcement keep dangerous offenders in custody, especially under state bail laws. “This policy does nothing to make New York more welcoming for immigrants,” he added. “Instead, it makes our communities less safe.”
