Former New York Governor Criticizes State Anti-ICE Legislation

A former Democratic New York governor said on Sunday that recently passed state legislation limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement could expose counties to more federal raids and increase legal costs for taxpayers. The former governor made the comments during an appearance on a New York radio program.

He stated that federal authority takes precedence over local rules and that the new measures remove counties' ability to coordinate with federal agents.

State lawmakers approved the package on Thursday.

The measures end agreements that allow local officers to perform certain federal immigration functions, restrict federal agents from entering hospitals and parks, and prohibit agents from wearing masks that hide their identities. The former governor predicted that some county executives might file lawsuits against the state over the changes.

He described the legislation as an error that could lead to additional legal action.

One county executive who has said he will challenge the governor in the fall election has stated he will sue if the new rules cancel existing local agreements with federal immigration authorities. A federal immigration official has separately warned that more agents could be sent to the state if the governor signs the bills.

The governor has said the legislation addresses what she described as federal overreach while maintaining that the state will not provide sanctuary to individuals with criminal records.