Governor Kathy Hochul convened a roundtable with law enforcement and elected officials to highlight increasing support for the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act. The proposed legislation would prohibit local police from being deputized by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for federal civil immigration enforcement. Hochul was joined by over a dozen district attorneys, county sheriffs, police chiefs, and county executives from across New York State.
The Local Cops, Local Crimes Act seeks to end 287(g) agreements in New York, which currently allow state and local police to act as federal agents or use public resources for federal civil immigration enforcement. If enacted, all such agreements across the state would be voided. The legislation also aims to prevent federal agents from using local detention centers to house civil immigration detainees. However, it does not restrict cooperation between local police and ICE on criminal matters.
“Today I heard from a bipartisan group of law enforcement and elected officials about the importance of keeping our police resources focused where they are needed most – in our communities,” Governor Hochul said. “That is why I have proposed common sense legislation to send a clear message: New York will not tolerate flagrant abuses of power by ICE carried out in the name of public safety.”
Last month, Hochul introduced the act as part of broader efforts to protect New Yorkers’ constitutional rights and ensure that sensitive locations like homes are protected from civil immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant. Since then, support has grown among law enforcement leaders statewide.
Currently, 14 law enforcement agencies in New York operate under various 287(g) agreement models. The new legislation would bring an end to these practices.
Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy commented, “Public safety is strongest when our local law enforcement officers are empowered to focus on the communities they serve, not diverted to enforce federal civil immigration policy. The Local Cops, Local Crimes Act is a responsible approach that preserves trust between police and the public and ensures our resources are being used efficiently and appropriately. I strongly support Governor Hochul’s commitment to keeping New Yorkers safe while standing up for fairness, accountability, and the protection of constitutional rights.”
Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz stated, “The goal of the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act is a commonsense way to ensure that our local law enforcement personnel and resources are reserved for use in our communities… Eliminating 287(g) agreements sends a signal to residents that local law enforcement will not be an arm of the federal government… This Act is timely and very necessary, and I thank Governor Hochul for her vision in promoting it.”
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, “Governor Hochul’s Local Cops, Local Crimes Act is common-sense legislation that will strengthen constitutional safeguards… Our local police and law enforcement should be focused on local crimes… I am proud to join my partners in government from across the state in defending the rights of New Yorkers.”
Westchester County Executive Kenneth W. Jenkins added that trust is key for public safety: “When residents are afraid to call the police or cooperate with law enforcement because they fear immigration consequences, everyone becomes less safe… Governor Hochul’s legislation draws the right line and reinforces what matters most – keeping our neighborhoods safe while upholding the constitutional values that define us.”
Broome County Executive Jason Garnar described the proposal as “just common sense — it lets our own officers keep their eyes on neighborhood safety… while also putting a stop to…federal overreach…”
Rochester Mayor Malik Evans emphasized Rochester’s longstanding sanctuary policies: “As a Sanctuary City…these assurances help us build trust…by allowing members of our immigrant community to report crimes…without fear…”
Columbia County District Attorney Chris Liberati-Conant thanked Hochul for investments in law enforcement: “As District Attorney…my only focus is…the safety…and when victims…are afraid…we are less safe as a community…”
Monroe County District Attorney Brian Green stated his priority is ensuring clarity about policing roles: “…this legislation supports [the] goal [of maintaining public trust]. I appreciate the Governor’s efforts…”
Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane highlighted community trust: “…this legislation will help local police agencies continue to build trust with the people they serve…I will continue prosecute individuals who are accused of committing crimes in New York State regardless of their immigration status…”
Washington County District Attorney J. Anthony Jordan observed national challenges with current approaches: “…trust…and confidence in our law enforcement is being eroded…Governor Hochul’s proposals are an important step toward addressing these concerns.”
Kingston Police Department Deputy Chief Richard Negron noted: “Effective policing starts with clarity — knowing who we serve… When local officers are asked to take on federal civil immigration enforcement…it blurs that mission…”
Hochul’s proposal includes giving individuals legal recourse at the state level against federal officers who violate constitutional rights—aligning state standards with existing federal frameworks—and protecting sensitive locations such as schools or hospitals from warrantless civil immigration actions.