More than a dozen sheriffs in New York are challenging a state law that restricts law enforcement from working with ICE on civil immigration issues. Governor Kathy Hochul has confronted these efforts, stating her readiness to take on agency leaders.
Constitutional Dispute
A federal lawsuit led by Rensselaer County Sheriff Kyle Bourgault claims the law is unconstitutional, arguing it improperly limits elected sheriffs from engaging in federally authorized immigration-enforcement agreements. Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin criticized Hochul, saying her policies prioritize criminals over New York citizens.
Local Cops, Local Crimes Act
Implemented in May, the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act stops local and state agencies from collaborating with federal authorities on civil immigration matters. It also prohibits new agreements for housing civil immigration detainees and mandates termination of existing agreements within three months of the law’s enactment.
“No county executive should think that they are above the law in the state of New York,” said Governor Hochul.
Federal and State Tensions
The law allows police to assist ICE with violent or non-immigration crimes. However, local resources cannot be used for civil immigration enforcement. Governor Hochul has threatened legal action against agencies maintaining agreements with ICE, setting up a showdown with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.
New York Attorney General Letitia James has issued subpoenas to several law enforcement agencies that failed to confirm plans to end their ICE agreements. These agencies include the sheriff’s offices of Broome, Steuben, Nassau, and Rensselaer counties, as well as the Nassau County Police Department.
Governor Hochul stated that law enforcement will only assist ICE in cases involving “real crimes,” prioritizing the pursuit of criminals over civil immigration matters.
Political Reactions
Bruce Blakeman, during a press conference concurrent with Hochul’s, indicated he might join the sheriffs’ lawsuit. He has argued the importance of ICE collaboration to remove individuals with criminal backgrounds from his county.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security criticized Hochul’s actions, saying they put politics over public safety, potentially leading to increased crime and more victims.
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