New York Governor issues deadline for local agencies to end ICE cooperation

New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James have issued an ultimatum to local law enforcement agencies to terminate cooperation agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Under the ‘Local Cops, Local Crimes Act’, signed in May, state and local agencies are prohibited from assisting the federal government in civil immigration enforcement.

Seven sheriffs have been notified that they have until August 25 to formally unwind their 287(g) agreements, which allow local officers to be deputized for immigration enforcement. While twelve agencies were initially identified, only five have reportedly complied with requests to terminate these arrangements. Hochul stated that local agencies should focus on community safety rather than performing the duties of ICE, though she maintained that she does not support open borders.

The Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the state law, arguing it could subject federal authorities to criminal penalties for actions such as wearing masks during operations.