Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and sheriffs across New York are discussing potential legal action against Governor Kathy Hochul regarding her proposal to ban local cooperation agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). They argue that these agreements facilitate the removal of criminal undocumented immigrants from communities. Hochul's proposed budget for 2027 includes measures to implement sanctuary policies, which would restrict local law enforcement's cooperation with ICE, including a ban on 287(g) agreements, limits on ICE access to schools and hospitals, and restrictions on informal cooperation.
Blakeman, who is also the Republican nominee for governor, stated that many sheriffs share his concerns and are upset about the proposed changes. Todd Hood, the sheriff of Madison County and Blakeman's running mate, confirmed that most sheriffs oppose the move, emphasizing the effectiveness of the 287(g) program, which allows local law enforcement to perform certain immigration enforcement duties under federal guidance.
Currently, there are 14 active 287(g) agreements with law enforcement agencies across nine New York counties. Under these agreements, local officers can notify ICE when they arrest undocumented immigrants, allowing for a smoother transfer of custody from local jails to federal authorities. Hochul initially introduced the measure to ban these agreements in January and warned that non-compliance would result in legal action.
Hood highlighted the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies, citing a recent incident where an undocumented immigrant was arrested for arson but was released due to non-bail eligibility. Thanks to Nassau County's cooperation with ICE, federal agents were able to detain him after his court hearing. Hood criticized the lack of support for ICE during immigration enforcement operations in other states, asserting that such failures would not occur under Blakeman's administration. Fox News Digital has reached out to Hochul's office for a response.
