New York Governor Kathy Hochul appeared on MS Now’s “Morning Joe” to discuss her proposal to end formal cooperation between state and local law enforcement agencies and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The proposed legislation, called the ‘Local Cops, Local Crimes Act,’ would ban 287(g) agreements that allow local police to assist ICE with immigration enforcement.
During the interview, Hochul explained her position: “We are not saying that local police cannot cooperate when there’s a criminal investigation. This is what the Republicans are going to challenge and conflate. We have always done that, always will — we want to protect our communities.”
She criticized the diversion of local police resources from public safety duties toward civil immigration enforcement. “Why would we want to divert local law enforcement from the local policing? You know catching criminals in the streets, stopping gun trafficking, stopping the flow of drugs. I want my local police doing that and not being deputized for civil only immigration enforcement,” Hochul said.
The governor also addressed concerns about training for officers working under these agreements. When asked about their preparedness, she replied: “What training? I don’t think there is training. I think they can get it out of a cracker box.”
Hochul noted support from various law enforcement officials at her recent announcement: “I stood with our Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, along with police officers, police chiefs, Republicans included… They want our local police protecting their communities — not being weaponized to turn against the people that they’re trying to build trust with.”
She pointed out that only a few counties in New York participate in these agreements and cited an incident in Nassau County involving the arrest of a high school student as an example.
Addressing reports of plans for a new detention center near New York City, Hochul said: “That’s gotta get through a lot of State reviews… I’m going to be looking to see, is it on wetlands, is there zoning involved? Is there snails that are environmentally sensitive? So that’s a warning sign I’m concerned about.”
On ICE funding and expansion, Hochul commented: “They used to be a $6 million agency… now they’re $85 billion. They’re the size of almost half my budget for the entire State of New York.” She questioned whether federal agents were adequately trained compared to local law enforcement.
Hochul stated her intent to change state law so ICE cannot enter sensitive locations such as places of worship or hospitals without proper authorization: “And also we proposed that they cannot go into sensitive locations. Churches synagogues… schools, daycare centers, hospitals.”
Referring to changes in federal policy regarding home entries by ICE agents without warrants, she added: “I have to now pass a law in New York that says you can’t do that… This country is not recognizable anymore, but we are standing up.”
The governor concluded by expressing pride in those advocating for reform and reaffirmed her commitment: “We’re taking a strong position and I’m so proud of the people in Minneapolis and elsewhere. We’re saying enough is enough. We’re taking our country back.”