New York Governor Hochul bans local police cooperation with ICE

New York State has officially prohibited its police forces from cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the controversial 287(g) program. Governor Kathy Hochul enacted the ban, which took effect Tuesday, August 25.

The new regulation restricts state and local law enforcement agencies from participating in federal civil immigration enforcement activities. According to the New York Attorney General's office, 12 agencies had 287(g) agreements that were required to terminate before the August 25 deadline.

Governor Hochul stated during a press conference in Albany that local law enforcement should prioritize the safety and security of their own communities. The 287(g) program, established in 1996, allowed state and local officers to identify, detain, and arrest individuals on behalf of federal immigration authorities. The new legislation, part of the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act signed by Hochul on May 27, also prevents the use of local resources and facilities for housing individuals detained for civil immigration violations.

However, the prohibition does not extend to criminal investigations. State and municipal police can still collaborate with federal agencies when a criminal investigation is underway. "As of today, ICE will no longer be able to use forces funded by local resources," Hochul asserted, warning that departments or sheriff's offices maintaining non-compliant agreements could face legal action. The governor emphasized that this change does not prevent ICE from continuing its federal immigration enforcement efforts within New York, but it requires them to operate without local police assistance in civil matters.

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As of today, ICE will no longer be able to use forces funded by local resources.