NY Sheriffs Threaten Lawsuit Over Governor's ICE Cooperation Ban

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, alongside several New York sheriffs, is preparing to sue Governor Kathy Hochul over her administration's recent move to ban cooperation agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The ban, approved by the state Legislature as part of the 2027 fiscal budget, specifically targets the 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement officers to perform functions of federal immigration officers.

Blakeman, who is also a Republican candidate for governor, criticized Hochul's sanctuary policies, stating that Nassau County is enforcing federal law and that many sheriffs across the state share his frustration. "In my opinion, we are enforcing federal law in Nassau County, and many sheriffs across the state think the same. They are furious," Blakeman said in an interview with Fox News.

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In my opinion, we are enforcing federal law in Nassau County, and many sheriffs across the state think the same. They are furious.

Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood echoed these sentiments, noting that his office signed a 287(g) agreement last July. "I receive messages from sheriffs across the state, and they are all very upset about this. Almost all disapprove of the measure. Very few sheriffs approve of it," Hood stated. Currently, 14 such agreements are active in nine New York counties.

The governor's office announced in early May that a budget agreement had been reached, which includes provisions to limit local cooperation with ICE. The 287(g) program operates through Memorandums of Agreement (MOA) between ICE and interested law enforcement agencies, with various program structures available.

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I receive messages from sheriffs across the state, and they are all very upset about this. Almost all disapprove of the measure. Very few sheriffs approve of it.