New York has introduced changes to state immigration laws aimed at holding federal agents accountable for their deportation practices. These changes, however, face resistance from the Trump administration.
New legislation passed by New York State lawmakers prohibits federal immigration agents from wearing masks, a practice they used previously in an operation in Lower Manhattan.
A week after Governor Kathy Hochul announced these new restrictions, which include a mask ban, the Department of Homeland Security indicated it was preparing for a legal challenge.
An internal memo from the department’s general counsel, dated May 15, clarified that agents are “not legally required to comply with state and local mask prohibitions while executing their official duties.” The memo emphasized that officers should “carry out their duties without fear of state interference or prosecution.”
This guidance suggests the agency intends to oppose recent legislation nationwide meant to restrict immigration enforcement, following incidents involving immigration officers in Minneapolis.
New York’s legislation also permits lawsuits against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents for constitutional violations and prohibits warrantless searches of “sensitive locations” such as hospitals and schools.
Jen Goodman, spokeswoman for Governor Hochul, commented on the situation: “If you are enforcing the law, you should not be hiding from it. Any ICE agent who comes to New York and violates our laws will be held accountable.”
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