Governor Planning To Deal Another Blow to Trump’s ICE
New York Governor Kathy Hochul is advancing new legislation that would sharply limit cooperation between state and local law enforcement agencies and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to reporting from The Wall Street Journal.
The proposal would prohibit New York police departments from being deputized by ICE for civil immigration enforcement, effectively preventing local officers from assisting federal agents in non-criminal immigration cases.
In a written statement, Hochul accused federal immigration authorities of exceeding their mandate and argued that local police should not be used to carry out federal civil enforcement actions. She said the state’s law enforcement agencies should focus exclusively on public safety responsibilities within New York communities.
Hochul framed the bill as a safeguard against what she called federal overreach, emphasizing that cooperation with ICE would remain permitted in criminal investigations, but not for routine civil immigration enforcement.
The move comes as President Donald Trump continues an aggressive deportation strategy during his second term — a policy that gained broad public support following years of record illegal border crossings under President Joe Biden. National polling has repeatedly shown strong backing for deportations, even as opposition from Democratic leaders and progressive groups has intensified.
That opposition has grown louder after several high-profile incidents connected to ICE operations, including confrontations and enforcement actions that sparked protests in major cities. Demonstrations in Minneapolis drew national attention, culminating in a rare general strike in Minnesota, despite most deportations nationwide proceeding with little public disruption.
A number of state and local governments, from Texas to the Upper Midwest, have passed symbolic resolutions condemning federal immigration deployments. International controversy also emerged after an ICE agent attempted to enter Ecuador’s consulate in Minneapolis, prompting a formal diplomatic complaint.
Critics of ICE have also raised concerns about the agency’s expanding use of surveillance tools and technology contracts, warning they could reduce transparency and oversight.
Under Hochul’s proposal, federal authorities would additionally be barred from using local jails to hold individuals detained solely for civil immigration violations. Cooperation would still be allowed in cases involving serious criminal charges.
The governor has taken similar positions in the past. Earlier this month, she supported legislation allowing individuals to sue federal agents for alleged constitutional violations and requiring judicial warrants for ICE activity in certain designated locations.
Supporters argue the measures are necessary to protect civil liberties and maintain trust between law enforcement and local communities. Opponents counter that restricting cooperation with federal immigration authorities could weaken public safety and undermine enforcement efforts at a time when border security remains a top concern for voters.
