New York, NY—Today, New York’s law prohibiting federal immigration agents from wearing masks and requiring them to display identification was blocked after a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction halting the ban. The Department of Justice has remained opposed to New York’s efforts to rein in ICE operations, including the mask ban. In June, the Trump administration sued to block the mandates. However, localities with active 287(g) agreements must continue to wind down their contracts by the original date set by the New York State Attorney General, and the newly enacted law: August 25th, 2026.
Murad Awawdeh, President & CEO, New York Immigration Coalition:
“Federal agents wearing masks creates a dangerous environment where officers can operate with impunity and without transparency, putting New Yorkers in danger. It means that masked agents can continue to abduct people off the street without having to identify themselves by name or badge. While we are outraged by the judge’s injunction, we applaud the decision to ensure an end to 287(g) agreements and contracts with local jails to detain immigrant New Yorkers. The era when New York police officers are officially deputized to do ICE’s dirty work is finally over. We thank Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James for their steadfast efforts to uphold the public safety of all New Yorkers.”