New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced plans to introduce a bill that would prohibit local law enforcement agencies from collaborating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the federal 287(g) program. The move comes as tensions over immigration enforcement continue to rise, particularly after two people were fatally shot by federal agents in Minneapolis last month.
Hochul's proposal aims to end the formal agreements between ICE and local police departments, but would still allow officers to assist federal authorities in apprehending criminals and providing crowd control. However, advocates for stricter limits on cooperation with ICE say that this measure is insufficient and urge Hochul to support a more comprehensive bill that would block state and local officers from enforcing federal immigration laws.
The move has sparked opposition from Republican county executives who currently have 287(g) agreements in place. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the GOP's gubernatorial candidate, called Hochul's proposal "the most pro-criminal governor in the United States" and vowed to veto it if it reaches his desk.
Despite the pushback, Hochul's announcement has been welcomed by many immigrant rights groups, which see it as a step towards countering President Trump's immigration crackdown. However, local officials in Rensselaer County, where a 287(g) agreement was first established, have vowed to continue participating in the program, citing the importance of identifying and processing undocumented immigrants.
As the debate over immigration enforcement continues, Hochul's proposal highlights the complexities and challenges of balancing national security concerns with the rights and interests of immigrant communities.
Hochul's proposal aims to end the formal agreements between ICE and local police departments, but would still allow officers to assist federal authorities in apprehending criminals and providing crowd control. However, advocates for stricter limits on cooperation with ICE say that this measure is insufficient and urge Hochul to support a more comprehensive bill that would block state and local officers from enforcing federal immigration laws.
The move has sparked opposition from Republican county executives who currently have 287(g) agreements in place. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the GOP's gubernatorial candidate, called Hochul's proposal "the most pro-criminal governor in the United States" and vowed to veto it if it reaches his desk.
Despite the pushback, Hochul's announcement has been welcomed by many immigrant rights groups, which see it as a step towards countering President Trump's immigration crackdown. However, local officials in Rensselaer County, where a 287(g) agreement was first established, have vowed to continue participating in the program, citing the importance of identifying and processing undocumented immigrants.
As the debate over immigration enforcement continues, Hochul's proposal highlights the complexities and challenges of balancing national security concerns with the rights and interests of immigrant communities.