New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced on “Morning Joe” that the state has banned formal civil immigration enforcement agreements between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), stating that the measure aims to keep officers focused on local crime. The prohibition, enacted by the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act signed in May and effective as of Tuesday, prevents state and local entities from entering or maintaining 287(g) agreements, which allow trained local personnel to perform certain federal civil immigration functions under ICE supervision. Hochul’s office clarified that the law does not hinder jails from notifying ICE about potentially deportable individuals in custody or transferring someone lawfully in custody to the agency, in accordance with local laws.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) responded critically to the ban, asserting that it will necessitate a more visible federal presence in communities as 15 county sheriffs challenge the law in federal court. A DHS spokesperson argued that the restriction forces federal agents into communities, citing five New York cases involving noncitizens who remained at large or were released despite ICE detainers after arrests or convictions for serious crimes. DHS contends that Governor Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James are prioritizing the release of violent criminals over cooperation with ICE. In contrast, Hochul’s office disputed DHS’s characterization, maintaining that the law enhances public safety by preventing local law enforcement from engaging in civil immigration enforcement that targets families, children, and hardworking individuals. The governor’s spokesperson also noted that a federal court has upheld the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act, and that the state will continue collaborating with federal and local law enforcement to combat violent offenders while ensuring community safety. Source

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