New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at ending local law enforcement agencies' participation in the 287(g) program, which allows police to carry out immigration enforcement duties under federal agreements. The move comes as a response to growing criticism of aggressive immigration enforcement tactics.
Hochul's proposal would effectively prohibit local law enforcement from acting as de facto immigration agents, citing concerns over "tyranny" and the need for "other priorities." She argued that local police should focus on their core duties rather than assisting in immigration enforcement.
The announcement is likely to put Governor Hochul at odds with Republican county executives who currently have 287(g) agreements in place. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the GOP's gubernatorial candidate, called the move "reckless" and vowed to veto the legislation if it reaches his desk.
However, Hochul's proposal has garnered support from advocacy groups and lawmakers, including State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. She stated that the bill is a step forward in protecting the immigrant community and aligns with the goals of the New York for All Act, an existing bill aimed at prohibiting public resources from being used for immigration enforcement.
Rensselaer County has been one of only seven localities in New York to enter into 287(g) agreements since 2018. Despite Hochul's proposal, Rensselaer County officials have indicated that they intend to continue participating in the program, citing its effectiveness and value in identifying potential crimes.
The move is also seen as a response to recent incidents of fatal shootings by federal agents, including two individuals who were killed in Minneapolis this month. Governor Hochul has called for the resignation of U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, amid growing outrage over immigration enforcement tactics.
As the debate around 287(g) agreements intensifies, local law enforcement agencies and county officials must weigh their priorities and decide whether to continue participating in these programs. With Hochul's proposal on the table, it remains to be seen how far-reaching its impact will be and what consequences it may have for local communities and law enforcement agencies alike.
Hochul's proposal would effectively prohibit local law enforcement from acting as de facto immigration agents, citing concerns over "tyranny" and the need for "other priorities." She argued that local police should focus on their core duties rather than assisting in immigration enforcement.
The announcement is likely to put Governor Hochul at odds with Republican county executives who currently have 287(g) agreements in place. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the GOP's gubernatorial candidate, called the move "reckless" and vowed to veto the legislation if it reaches his desk.
However, Hochul's proposal has garnered support from advocacy groups and lawmakers, including State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. She stated that the bill is a step forward in protecting the immigrant community and aligns with the goals of the New York for All Act, an existing bill aimed at prohibiting public resources from being used for immigration enforcement.
Rensselaer County has been one of only seven localities in New York to enter into 287(g) agreements since 2018. Despite Hochul's proposal, Rensselaer County officials have indicated that they intend to continue participating in the program, citing its effectiveness and value in identifying potential crimes.
The move is also seen as a response to recent incidents of fatal shootings by federal agents, including two individuals who were killed in Minneapolis this month. Governor Hochul has called for the resignation of U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, amid growing outrage over immigration enforcement tactics.
As the debate around 287(g) agreements intensifies, local law enforcement agencies and county officials must weigh their priorities and decide whether to continue participating in these programs. With Hochul's proposal on the table, it remains to be seen how far-reaching its impact will be and what consequences it may have for local communities and law enforcement agencies alike.