Gov. Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James are suing the Trump administration to defend a new package of state laws governing immigration and law enforcement operations in New York.
The lawsuit seeks to protect state laws that include a requirement that local, state and federal officers remain identifiable during public operations.
One law, set to take effect Friday, prohibits law enforcement officers from concealing their identity with masks while interacting with the public and requires officers to display clear identification, according to the governor’s office and attorney general’s office.
Another measure, the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act, bars local governments and law enforcement agencies from entering into agreements to operate as immigration officers or detain people solely for federal civil immigration violations. It also prohibits public subsidies for civil immigration detention facilities.
State officials said the federal administration has threatened to challenge the laws. The attorney general’s office said the state is asking the court to declare the laws legal and prevent federal interference with New York’s authority to protect public safety, promote transparency and govern the use of state and local resources.
“By hiding their faces and refusing to wear identification, federal immigration officers endanger New Yorkers and intentionally evade accountability,” James said.
Hochul said the laws are meant to ensure residents know who is enforcing laws in their communities and that local resources are directed toward public safety.
“A badge carries with it a responsibility to uphold the public’s trust,” Hochul said.
The state said the new provisions were enacted in response to concerns about masked and unidentified federal immigration agents during enforcement operations.
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