Nassau County Executive Says He Will Keep ICE Agreement Despite New State Law

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after Gov. Kathy Hochul signed new state measures Wednesday. The measures, passed by Democratic lawmakers and signed by Hochul, bar most local law enforcement contact or cooperation with federal immigration authorities without a judicial order.

” He said the agreement helps police target individuals with criminal records who are in the country illegally. Blakeman added that other sheriffs across New York have contacted him about joining a legal challenge. He stated the county will take the matter to court.

Hochul, speaking after a separate budget event, said she is “proud to lean into this” and will not reverse course. She said the policy aims to prevent what she described as continued harassment under the Trump administration. Hochul indicated that officers who are only assisting in civil immigration enforcement should not contact ICE.

She said the question of enforcement against non-compliant localities will be handled by a new Office of Immigrant Trust under Attorney General Letitia James. The new rules take effect after a 90-day period during which counties must end existing ICE partnerships unless a court intervenes.