New York, NY—Today, Governor Hochul’s ‘Local Cops, Local Crimes Act’, legislation that prohibits New York state and local law enforcement agencies and local governments from entering into or maintaining 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for federal civil immigration enforcement, takes effect. Under this new law, existing 287(g) agreements must be terminated and the Attorney General’s Office has warned agencies that it will pursue legal action to ensure compliance.
Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition:
“Every New Yorker deserves to feel safe reporting a crime, seeking help, and interacting with local law enforcement without fear that their immigration status could be reported to immigration authorities, putting their safety and ability to remain with their loved ones at risk. The termination of 287(g) agreements is a critical victory for immigrant New Yorkers and for public safety across the state. As ICE continues to ramp up its enforcement tactics and spread fear among immigrant New Yorkers, ending these agreements sends a powerful message that New York will not allow its local police to be used as an extension of Trump’s mass deportation agenda. From Niagara County to Nassau County, these protections are life-saving for our neighbors. No one should have to wonder whether reporting a crime or calling for help could set off a chain of events that separates them from their loved ones and community. This win must also serve as a warning that any local government or law enforcement agency that has yet to terminate its 287(g) agreement will face the full force of legal action to ensure compliance with New York State law. We applaud Governor Hochul, Senate Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins, and Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie in their leadership to terminate these agreements and urge state and local leaders to continue taking every step necessary to ensure that New York’s law enforcement agencies remain accountable to the communities they serve, not to ICE.”