Gov. Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James are suing the Trump administration over new state laws that require greater accountability and identification by law enforcement officers during public operations.
The lawsuit seeks to protect New York laws that require officers to remain identifiable and to ensure local, state and federal officers comply with the state's public safety and transparency measures, according to the governor's office.
Hochul announced the action June 24 in Albany, joined by law enforcement officers, immigration advocates and community leaders. The governor's office said the lawsuit is intended to defend measures passed by New York to increase public safety, transparency and accountability.
The laws at issue include requirements meant to make officers identifiable during public operations and to ensure local resources are used for local crimes. State officials said the measures are common-sense protections that help residents understand who is carrying out law enforcement actions in their communities.
The governor's office said the Trump administration has challenged the state measures, prompting New York to seek court intervention.
Hochul and James argued that New York has the authority to set standards for transparency and accountability within the state. They said the laws are meant to protect residents while supporting trust between communities and law enforcement.
The case adds to ongoing tensions between New York and the federal government over immigration enforcement, state authority and public safety policy.
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