New York Sheriffs Challenge State Law on ICE Cooperation

Over a dozen New York sheriffs have filed a lawsuit against a state law that restricts law enforcement from engaging in specific agreements with ICE for civil immigration enforcement. The lawsuit is led by Rensselaer County Sheriff Kyle Bourgault and claims that the law is unconstitutional, limiting sheriffs’ rights to engage in federally approved immigration enforcement partnerships.

Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin criticized Governor Kathy Hochul, stating that her policies prioritize criminals over New York citizens. The law in question, signed by Hochul in May and effective as of Tuesday, prevents local and state law enforcement from collaborating with federal authorities on civil immigration enforcement. It also prohibits new agreements to detain civil immigration detainees, with current contracts requiring termination within three months.

Despite the restrictions, police maintain the ability to assist ICE in cases involving violent or other non-immigration crimes. However, officers are barred from using local resources for civil immigration enforcement, resisting alignment with former President Donald Trump’s deportation policies.

Governor Hochul has threatened legal action against local authorities refusing to comply with the law, challenging her Republican opponent, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. Nassau County, among others, has existing agreements with ICE. Hochul made clear at a press conference that non-compliance with the law would face legal consequences. “No county executive should think that they are above the law in the state of New York,” Hochul asserted. To those litigating against the state, she warned, “bring it on.”

“Our law has already been upheld by the courts,” Hochul said.

New York Attorney General Letitia James has issued subpoenas to agencies failing to confirm compliance with the law, including sheriff’s offices in Broome, Steuben, Nassau, and Rensselaer counties, alongside the Nassau County Police Department. If agencies do not comply, her office plans to pursue civil legal actions.

Governor Hochul emphasized that law enforcement should focus on addressing actual crime. She said, “Because we need local cops hunting down criminals, not kindergartners. Breaking up drug rings, not breaking up families. Arresting gun runners, not grandmas.”

Blakeman, who addressed the media simultaneously, hinted at joining the lawsuit but did not confirm compliance with state orders. He has defended collaborations with ICE, stating that approximately 2,000 immigrants with criminal records have been removed from his county.

Responding to Hochul’s stance, the Department of Homeland Security criticized the governor’s actions, suggesting it compromises public safety. “This type of insanity leads to more crimes and more innocent victims,” a department spokesperson told the New York Post.