New York Governor Signals Limits on Local Cooperation With Federal Immigration Enforcement

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced measures in the state budget that would restrict cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration officers. The announcement came after the White House border czar threatened to increase Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in New York and other states that limit such cooperation.

Hochul said the state had previously reached an understanding with the border czar and President Donald Trump that there would be no additional ICE raids or immigration detention centers in New York. She stated that the renewed federal push went beyond what had been discussed in a March meeting.

"Their overreach and their excessive engagement and activities far beyond what was ever promised by the president or what Tom Homan has told me," Hochul said on Thursday. She added, "I don’t take well to threats. " The border czar had said earlier in the week at an event in Phoenix that federal authorities planned to "flood the zone" with more ICE agents in New York.

He specifically criticized state efforts to limit the 287(g) program, which allows local police to work with federal immigration authorities. Nassau County is one of nine New York counties that have signed 287(g) contracts with the federal government.

The county executive, who is running for governor against Hochul, opposes the state government's move to restrict such cooperation.

In addition to budget provisions rolling back 287(g) contracts, state lawmakers are advancing measures to deny ICE access to sensitive locations such as schools and hospitals without a judicial warrant. Proposals also include banning ICE officers from wearing masks to conceal their identities and creating a legal path for citizens to sue the agency.

Hochul sent a letter to the border czar last week inquiring whether an ICE officer involved in a fatal shooting in Minnesota had been reassigned to New York. As of Friday, there was no indication that the officer was operating in the state. The border czar responded to the state's actions in appearances on Fox News on Thursday.

He stated that officials would proceed with enforcement operations regardless of state roadblocks. "This is what we have to do because she forces this position, and we’re going to do it," he said. "They’re not going to stop us.