Over a dozen sheriffs in New York are contesting a state law that inhibits cooperation with ICE regarding civil immigration enforcement. Rensselaer County Sheriff Kyle Bourgault is leading a federal lawsuit against this law, claiming it infringes on constitutional rights and limits sheriffs’ authority to engage in federal immigration enforcement agreements.
Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin criticized Governor Kathy Hochul for implementing policies that he argues prioritize criminals over citizens.
The Local Cops, Local Crimes Act, signed by Hochul in May, became effective recently. It prevents local and state law enforcement from working with federal agencies on civil immigration matters. Furthermore, it prohibits new agreements to detain civil immigration violators, necessitating the termination of existing contracts within three months of the law’s enactment.
“No county executive should think that they are above the law in the state of New York,” Hochul stated during a press conference, emphasizing legal consequences for non-compliance.
Governor Hochul forewarned that local authorities continuing ICE collaborations would face legal challenges. She stands ready to confront those opposed to the law and emphasized that it has previously withstood judicial scrutiny.
Attorney General Letitia James issued subpoenas to law enforcement entities that haven’t aligned with the law or provided insufficient responses. Subpoenas were sent to the sheriff’s offices in Broome, Steuben, Nassau, and Rensselaer counties, along with Nassau County Police Department.
The Attorney General’s office warns of civil litigations for non-compliance.
Hochul stated that law enforcement assistance for ICE will only occur in cases of violent or significant crimes, not for civil immigration matters. Her focus is on serious criminal activities such as drug rings and gun trafficking, not on families or minor offenses.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican challenger, held a simultaneous press conference, expressing potential support for the sheriffs’ lawsuit. Blakeman, who has previously worked with ICE, mentioned the presence of 2,000 illegal immigrants with criminal records in his county.
“Where do you want those illegal immigrants with criminal records to live? You want it back in New York? We say no,” Blakeman remarked, questioning Hochul’s stance.
The Department of Homeland Security urges Hochul to prioritize public safety over politics, warning that dismissing ICE cooperation could lead to increased crime and victimization.