New York Governor Hochul Signs Law Banning Local Police Partnerships with ICE

<p>New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Friday that the state has banned formal civil immigration enforcement agreements between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to allow officers to focus on local crime. This statement was made during an appearance on "Morning Joe." </p><p>A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that this restriction will result in more federal agents being deployed into communities, as 15 county sheriffs are challenging the law in federal court. </p><p>The DHS spokesperson said, "When politicians bar local law enforcement from working with DHS, our law enforcement officers have to have a more visible presence so that we can find and apprehend the criminals let out of jails and back into communities." </p><p>The spokesperson further noted that seven of the top ten safest cities in the United States cooperate with ICE, and criticized Governor Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James for releasing violent criminals back into communities. </p><p>DHS cited five cases in New York involving noncitizens who remained at large or were released despite ICE detainers after arrests or convictions for serious crimes, including attempted murder and child endangerment. ICE later took all five individuals into custody. </p><p>In response, Hochul's office disputed the DHS's claims regarding public safety consequences, stating, "Governor Hochul has been clear: You don't make New York State safer by co-opting local law enforcement to conduct civil immigration enforcement that targets families, children and hardworking individuals." </p><p>The Local Cops, Local Crimes Act, signed in May, took effect on Tuesday and prohibits state and local entities from entering or remaining in 287(g) agreements, which allow local personnel to perform certain federal civil immigration functions under ICE supervision. Hochul's office clarified that the law does not prevent jails from notifying ICE about potentially deportable individuals in custody. </p><p>The federal lawsuit, led by Rensselaer County Sheriff Kyle Bourgault, claims that the ban unlawfully overrides the authority of independently elected sheriffs and impairs federally authorized agreements. Attorney General James has sued Rensselaer County and its sheriff, seeking to terminate the agreement. </p><p>A federal judge recently denied the Justice Department's request for a preliminary injunction against the 287(g) ban, allowing the law to take effect while litigation continues. </p>