Protestors Gather Outside Republican Convention to Oppose ICE Collaboration

Residents call for end to 287(g) agreements that allow local police to enforce federal immigration laws

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Residents gathered across the street from the Garden City Hotel in New York, where the state Republican convention was being held, to protest the party's support for collaboration between local police and federal immigration enforcement. Protestors chanted "ICE out" as Republican lawmakers arrived, calling for an end to 287(g) agreements that allow local law enforcement to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Why it matters

The protest highlights ongoing tensions over immigration enforcement policies, with critics arguing that 287(g) agreements undermine community trust in local police and make residents less likely to report crimes. The issue has become a political flashpoint, with the Democratic governor proposing legislation to eliminate such agreements statewide.

The details

The protest took place on Monday, February 9, as the New York State Republican convention was getting underway at the Garden City Hotel. Protestors gathered across the street, chanting "ICE out" as Republican lawmakers and party leaders arrived. The convention was held to select nominees for several statewide offices, including governor. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the GOP's nominee for governor, has supported federal immigration enforcement collaboration with local police through 287(g) agreements. Protestors are calling for an end to these agreements, which they say undermine public safety by discouraging residents from cooperating with law enforcement.

  • The protest took place on Monday, February 9, 2026.
  • The New York State Republican convention was held at the Garden City Hotel.

The players

Bruce Blakeman

Nassau County Executive and the Republican nominee for governor of New York.

Todd Hood

Madison County Sheriff and Blakeman's running mate for lieutenant governor.

Ed Ra

New York State Assembly Minority Leader.

Kathy Hochul

Governor of New York who has proposed legislation to eliminate 287(g) agreements statewide.

Patrick Young

Immigration law professor at Hofstra University.

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What they’re saying

“Our NCPD is phenomenal; they're well-trained. You look at the bill the governor is trying to put forth, and I don't think it benefits public safety in Nassau County.”

— Ed Ra, New York State Assembly Minority Leader (longislandpress.com)

“Typically, there is a complete separation between the federal government and local law enforcement. ICE is paid billions of dollars, why is Nassau County police enforcing immigration law?”

— Patrick Young, Immigration law professor at Hofstra University (longislandpress.com)

“We're calling our elected officials, and we're telling them that these 287(g) agreements are unconstitutional, and they put our communities at greater risk. They are not keeping us safe.”

— Kiana Bierria-Anderson, Activist and Democratic congressional candidate (longislandpress.com)

What’s next

The state legislature is expected to consider Governor Hochul's proposal to eliminate 287(g) agreements in the coming months.

The takeaway

This protest highlights the ongoing debate over the role of local law enforcement in federal immigration enforcement, with critics arguing that such collaboration undermines community trust and public safety. The issue has become a political flashpoint, with the Democratic governor proposing to end these agreements statewide.