New York’s ban on agreements that deputize local law enforcement officers to perform federal civil immigration work took effect Tuesday after a federal court declined to block the measure.
The Local Cops, Local Crimes Act prohibits local governments, police agencies and corrections departments from entering Section 287(g) agreements or similar arrangements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Twelve agencies were told to end agreements
Attorney General Letitia James notified 12 New York law enforcement agencies last month that they had to unwind existing agreements by Aug. 25. Her office said it will monitor compliance through its Office of Immigrant Trust and may take legal action when agencies do not follow the state law.
Before 2025, only one of New York’s 62 counties had a 287(g) agreement, according to the governor’s office. Fifty-three counties have never entered one.
The law does not bar local agencies from working with federal authorities on criminal cases. It prevents local personnel and facilities from being used for civil immigration enforcement.
Federal challenge remains active
The U.S. Department of Justice sued in June to block parts of New York’s broader immigration-protection package. A federal judge denied its request for a preliminary injunction against the 287(g) ban, allowing the law to take effect while the litigation continues.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said the measure keeps locally funded police focused on crime and emergency response. James said public trust is central to safety and warned agencies that the state expects compliance.
The wider package also restricts face coverings by officers interacting with the public, creates a state cause of action for constitutional-rights violations, limits immigration enforcement in sensitive locations and protects access to public education regardless of immigration status.
Residents may report federal enforcement activity or suspected violations of state immigration-enforcement laws through the attorney general’s federal action portal or by calling 1-800-771-7755.
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