Former New York Governor Criticizes Recent State Immigration Laws

Former New York Gov. David Paterson said Sunday that Democrats in Albany made an error by passing a package of laws that restricts cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Paterson stated that the measures impair local governments' ability to work with federal agencies and could increase the likelihood of federal enforcement actions and lawsuits paid for by taxpayers.

It also ends formal and informal cooperation agreements that allow local jails to hold individuals for ICE and creates an Office of Immigrant Trust within the state attorney general's office to enforce compliance. Additional provisions allow lawsuits against ICE agents for alleged rights violations and require a six-month public comment period before local governments can approve zoning changes for detention centers.

Paterson said counties could join together to sue the legislature and the governor over the restrictions. "It was an egregious mistake they made," he said. Gov. Kathy Hochul defended the measures at a press event, stating that state law takes precedence and that local police should focus on crime rather than immigration enforcement.

"It'll make New York a leader in addressing ICE overreach while also ensuring that there's no sanctuary for criminals in this state," Hochul said.