New York is drawing a hard line against federal immigration enforcement inside local police departments.
Gov. Kathy Hochul on Feb. 9 highlighted growing statewide support for her proposed Local Cops, Local Crimes Act, a legislative effort that would bar local law enforcement agencies from working as federal immigration agents under ICE’s 287(g) program.
Hochul hosted a roundtable in Albany with district attorneys, sheriffs, police chiefs, and county executives who say the proposal would strengthen public safety by keeping police focused on fighting crime — not carrying out federal civil immigration enforcement.
What the bill would do
The Local Cops, Local Crimes Act would eliminate all existing 287(g) agreements in New York, blocking state and local police from being deputized by ICE or using taxpayer-funded resources to enforce federal civil immigration law.
The legislation would also prohibit federal authorities from using local jails to detain people solely for civil immigration purposes. It would not prevent local police or the State Police from working with federal agencies on criminal investigations or apprehending dangerous individuals.
“Today I heard from a bipartisan group of law enforcement and elected officials about the importance of keeping our police resources focused where they are needed most – in our communities,” Hochul said. “That is why I have proposed common sense legislation to send a clear message: New York will not tolerate flagrant abuses of power by ICE carried out in the name of public safety.”
Support grows across the state
In just two weeks, support for the proposal has expanded to 29 law enforcement leaders and elected officials from across New York, including New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and Rochester Mayor Malik Evans.
State officials say 14 law enforcement agencies currently operate under some form of 287(g) agreement. If enacted, the bill would void every one of them.
Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy said the proposal protects public trust while keeping police resources where they belong.
“Public safety is strongest when our local law enforcement officers are empowered to focus on the communities they serve, not diverted to enforce federal civil immigration policy,” McCoy said.
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz called the plan a response to what he described as federal overreach.
“Eliminating 287(g) agreements sends a signal to residents that local law enforcement will not be an arm of the federal government,” Poloncarz said.
Focus on trust and constitutional rights
Several prosecutors and police leaders warned that ICE partnerships undermine cooperation from victims and witnesses.
“Prosecutors cannot pursue justice if victims and witnesses are fearful of police and potential immigration consequences,” Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane said.
Columbia County District Attorney Chris Liberati-Conant said fear keeps people from coming forward, making communities less safe.
“When victims and witnesses are afraid to speak to law enforcement, they become targets of predators and traffickers,” he said.
Part of a broader strategy
Hochul’s proposal builds on other State of the State initiatives aimed at limiting federal overreach. Those efforts include legislation allowing New Yorkers to sue federal officers for constitutional violations and protecting sensitive locations — including homes — from civil immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant.
“New Yorkers should be able to attend school, seek medical care, worship, and live in their homes in peace,” Hochul said.
Supporters argue the legislation draws a clear boundary between public safety and immigration enforcement — one they say keeps communities safer and policing more effective.
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