New York Proposes Bill to Bar Local Police from Enforcing Federal Immigration Laws
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed new legislation aimed at preventing state and local law enforcement agencies from participating in the enforcement of federal immigration laws, a move that has further intensified tensions between New York state authorities and the Trump administration.
According to the proposal, existing agreements between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and local police departments would be terminated. These agreements currently allow ICE to grant limited federal authority to local officers. The bill would also prohibit the use of state-funded resources, personnel, or equipment for enforcing federal immigration policies.
The legislation introduces additional safeguards, including a requirement for court-approved warrants before federal immigration officers can enter sensitive locations such as homes and schools. It would also allow individuals to file lawsuits against federal officials accused of violating constitutional rights.
The Trump administration has strongly criticized the proposal. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin warned that the bill could weaken public safety and force federal agents to increase their visible presence in communities. She argued that reduced cooperation from local authorities would strain federal resources and undermine public trust in law enforcement.
The bill comes amid nationwide protests following the deaths of two U.S. citizens in Minnesota during federal immigration operations. Those incidents have renewed scrutiny over the methods used by federal immigration agencies and sparked widespread calls for reform.
Democrats currently hold a majority in the New York State Legislature, making passage of the bill more likely. Similar efforts to limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement are also being considered in other states and major cities that oppose the Trump administration’s strict immigration policies.
