Hochul Introduces Bill To Bar Local Police From Aiding ICE
Hochul on Jan. 30, 2025 introduced the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act to void state 287(g) agreements and bar use of local jails for ICE detentions.
Overview
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Jan. 30, 2025 introduced the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act to void New York's 287(g) agreements and bar local police and jails from assisting ICE.
Hochul said the bill responds to what she called "a rogue federal agency" and cited the killings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, she said in a Manhattan press conference.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson said partnerships with state and local law enforcement are "key to removing criminal illegal aliens" and warned that bans could force a more visible federal presence, officials said.
ICE currently maintains more than 1,372 287(g) agreements across 40 states and New York has about 14 such agreements, while the agency's budget includes $85 million for enforcement programs, records show.
Hochul said she will press the Legislature to pass the bill quickly and her office said it preserves cooperation on criminal investigations, while critics warn the proposal could hinder removals of criminal aliens.
Analysis
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Sources (4)
FAQ
The Local Cops, Local Crimes Act, introduced by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Jan. 30, 2025, voids state 287(g) agreements, bars local police from assisting ICE in civil immigration enforcement, and prohibits use of local jails for ICE detentions.
287(g) agreements allow ICE to deputize local police to perform federal immigration enforcement functions, such as detaining undocumented immigrants; New York currently has about 14 such agreements in eight counties.
Hochul introduced the bill in response to what she called a 'rogue federal agency' (ICE) creating chaos, citing incidents like the killings of Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, to keep local police focused on local crimes.
Yes, the bill preserves cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE on criminal investigations, such as terrorism, violence, guns, and gangs, but bars assistance in civil immigration enforcement.
Supporters like NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch endorse it for focusing police on local crimes; critics including DHS and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman argue it hinders removal of criminal illegal aliens and endangers communities.
History
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