New York law ending local police participation in federal immigration enforcement takes effect
Gov. Kathy Hochul said the measure is intended to allow local law enforcement agencies to focus on local crime rather than assisting federal immigration authorities.
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A new New York law that bars local police from participating in certain federal immigration enforcement activities is now in effect.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said the measure is intended to allow local law enforcement agencies to focus on local crime rather than assisting federal immigration authorities.
The law ends agreements that allowed some local agencies to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on civil immigration enforcement matters.
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The change affects 12 law enforcement agencies across New York that previously had agreements with ICE.
"Again, I'm very clear here for civil immigration enforcement. This only continues to evoke fear on our streets. And our local cops will not be part of it," Hochul said.
"Because we hold our police to a higher standard. They hold themselves to a higher standard. And because they have work, real work to do. Because we need local cops hunting down criminals, not kindergartners," she said.
The federal government sued in an effort to block the law.
However, a judge denied that request, allowing the measure to take effect.
