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New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced major new legislation to end local cooperation with ICE agents across the state, aiming to limit civil immigration enforcement by federal agents using local law enforcement resources. The proposal, known as the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act, would prohibit local police and jails from entering into agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for civil immigration enforcement a significant shift in state policy.
The governor delivered the announcement at a press conference in Manhattan, where she criticized ICE’s current role in state policing and vowed to prioritize community safety and constitutional protections. Hochul’s move comes amid wider national debates about immigration enforcement and local law enforcement’s role in federal operations.
Under the proposed Local Cops, Local Crimes Act, New York would:
These agreements exist in several counties and municipalities across New York, with law enforcement officers in some areas already working with ICE to detain immigrants for federal proceedings. The legislation would formally end that cooperation and make it illegal for local agencies to support civil immigration enforcement efforts.
At the announcement, Hochul made it clear that her goal is to end local cooperation with ICE agents in civil enforcement and keep local police focused on local crime. She said ICE has “grown out of control” and described the existing arrangements as a misuse of New York’s police resources.
“Our local police should protect our neighbors, not act as extensions of a federal immigration agency that has terrorized communities,” Hochul said. She emphasized that the proposed law would still allow cooperation on criminal matters, such as violent crime, terrorism, and serious federal offenses but not in civil immigration operations.
The bill targets agreements that allow local police to assist ICE in carrying out civil immigration enforcement, which includes identifying, detaining, holding, or transferring individuals based solely on immigration status. If passed, local law enforcement agencies across New York would no longer be permitted to support ICE in these civil cases.
Supporters of the measure argue that ending local cooperation with ICE agents will improve trust between police and immigrant communities. Many residents have expressed fear that civil immigration enforcement can discourage people from reporting crimes or cooperating with investigations.
Importantly, the act does not block local and state law enforcement from assisting federal agencies on criminal enforcement issues such as gang violence, terrorism, and other violent felony cases. Hochul has repeatedly stated that public safety cooperation remains essential and will continue within criminal contexts.
Support from Some Police Leaders:
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said that cooperation with federal agencies on criminal matters remains important and necessary. She reaffirmed that civil immigration enforcement cooperation will change, but cross-agency work on serious crimes will continue.
Criticism from Opponents:
Some officials, including Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, have criticized the governor’s proposal. They argue ending local cooperation with ICE agents could make communities less safe by limiting tools to remove individuals with violent criminal histories.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) also issued a statement opposing the plan, saying partnerships with local law enforcement are key to apprehending criminal aliens and maintaining public safety.
Hochul’s push to end local cooperation with ICE agents reflects broader national issues around immigration enforcement. Recent controversial federal immigration operations including fatal shootings by federal agents in other states have heightened public scrutiny of ICE’s methods and the role of local police in supporting those efforts.
Advocates for immigrant rights have welcomed the governor’s proposal as a step toward protecting civil liberties and building trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. Critics, however, warn that restricting cooperation could hamper the removal of individuals who pose public safety risks.
Several states have already taken steps to limit local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, and New York’s legislative move could position the state among those adopting broad restrictions on civil immigration partnerships.
For the new law to take effect, the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act must be passed by the New York State Legislature and signed by Governor Hochul. Debate in Albany is expected in the coming weeks as lawmakers consider the provisions and respond to public input from advocates, law enforcement groups, and residents.
If passed, the act could reshape how immigration enforcement works in New York clarifying the roles of local, state, and federal agencies and setting clear limits on police cooperation with ICE for civil cases.
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What is the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act?
The Local Cops, Local Crimes Act is proposed legislation introduced by New York Governor Kathy Hochul. The bill would prevent local police and jails from helping ICE with civil immigration enforcement, while still allowing cooperation on criminal investigations.
Does this law end all cooperation with ICE?
No. The proposal aims to end local cooperation with ICE agents only for civil immigration enforcement. Local and state law enforcement would still be allowed to work with federal agencies on criminal cases, including violent crime, terrorism, and serious federal offenses.
What are 287(g) agreements?
287(g) agreements are federal arrangements that allow ICE to deputize local law enforcement officers to carry out certain immigration enforcement duties. Hochul’s proposal would void these agreements in New York.
How would this affect New York City police?
According to state officials and the NYPD, New York City police would continue working with federal agencies on criminal matters. The change would limit involvement in civil immigration enforcement only.
Why does Governor Hochul want to end local cooperation with ICE agents?
Governor Hochul said local police should focus on local crime and public safety, not federal civil immigration enforcement. She has stated that limiting cooperation helps protect constitutional rights and maintain trust between police and communities.
Who supports the proposal?
Supporters include immigrant advocacy groups and some state lawmakers. They argue the policy will encourage residents to report crimes without fear of immigration consequences and improve cooperation with law enforcement.
Who opposes the proposal?
Some county leaders and federal officials oppose the plan. They argue that limiting cooperation with ICE could reduce tools used to detain individuals with criminal histories.
Would this change affect public safety?
The governor and state officials say cooperation on criminal enforcement will continue, which they argue protects public safety. Opponents disagree and say the restrictions could make enforcement more difficult. The issue remains under debate.
Has this type of policy been used in other states?
Yes. Several states and cities across the U.S. have adopted policies that limit local involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement while maintaining criminal cooperation.
When would the law take effect?
The proposal must first pass the New York State Legislature and be signed by the governor. No effective date has been set yet.