New York, NY—Yesterday, a U.S. judge ruled that New York can continue enforcing its statewide ban on law officers working with federal immigration agents to make civil arrests. The judge also rejected the injunction on another law giving Attorney General Letitia James the authority to investigate sheriffs who cooperate with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Both measures were signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul in May as part of a sweeping budget package, Local Cops, Local Crimes, that places limits on local law enforcement’s ability to engage in or assist with federal civil immigration enforcement or otherwise perform the functions of federal immigration officers.
Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition:
“The New York Immigration Coalition thanks Albany-based Judge Mae A. D’Agostino for rejecting a preliminary injunction request from a coalition of more than 15 county sheriffs claiming that the ban on 287(g) agreements violates federal and state constitutions. The ruling ensures that neither federal financial incentives to local law enforcement agencies nor politics can undermine the public safety needs and priorities of all New Yorkers. In an environment where ICE agents are brutally attacking immigrant New Yorkers at home, on our streets, and in other public spaces, the ban on 287g agreements prioritizes the public trust that is needed to keep all New Yorkers safe.”