Hochul Moves to Block N.Y. Police from Assisting ICE in Non-Criminal Cases
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Friday her intention to advance legislation aimed at restricting police departments in the state from collaborating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in non-criminal matters. This initiative, dubbed the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act, is part of a broader strategy by Democratic leaders to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement during the Trump administration.
Details of the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act
The proposed legislation seeks to prohibit state and local police from participating in 287(g) agreements. These agreements currently allow ICE to delegate authority to local law enforcement agencies to enforce civil immigration laws. While New York City has a sanctuary policy that bars such collaborations, several counties have chosen to engage in these agreements.
Background Context
This announcement follows significant public outcry over the actions of federal agents in Minneapolis, where two individuals were killed. Hochul’s initiatives reflect a growing trend among Democratic leaders in several states, including Massachusetts and Maryland, to challenge federal immigration policies.
Statements from Officials
During a news conference in Manhattan, Hochul emphasized the importance of protecting communities. “You will not weaponize local police officers against their own communities in New York,” she stated, standing alongside police commissioner Jessica Tisch and various district attorneys.
The Department of Homeland Security criticized Hochul’s proposed legislation, warning it could jeopardize public safety. Agency spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin stated that restricting local law enforcement collaboration compromises safety efforts, while White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson reiterated that ICE is working to protect American communities.
Political Implications
Hochul’s push against counties like Nassau County, which has actively supported ICE, showcases her stance ahead of her re-election campaign. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman remains an ardent supporter of ICE initiatives, recently claiming that local collaboration has led to the removal of individuals with criminal records.
Future of Immigration Enforcement in New York
The Local Cops, Local Crimes Act not only aims to restrict local police involvement in civil immigration matters but also sets boundaries on federal operations within local facilities. Hochul confirmed that while local police would assist ICE in criminal investigations, they should not be diverted from serving their communities for civil immigration enforcement.
- The legislation would restrict the use of taxpayer resources for civil immigration enforcement.
- It aims to prevent ICE from conducting operations in local jails and detention centers.
- New York joins seven other states that have enacted similar bans against 287(g) agreements.
Hochul framed her efforts as a necessary response to what she described as an abuse of power, asserting that local police departments shouldn’t be utilized as federal immigration agents. The political landscape regarding immigration continues to evolve across the country, with several states taking measures in stark contrast to New York’s approach.
