Hochul Proposes Bill to Block Local Police from ICE Civil Enforcement

New York governor announces legislation to end 287(g) agreements and limit local law enforcement's role in federal immigration enforcement.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 1:23pm

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New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced new legislation that would limit the role of local law enforcement in federal civil immigration enforcement. The proposal would end 287(g) agreements, which currently allow state and local police to be deputized by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Under the bill, local agencies would be barred from acting as federal agents or using taxpayer-funded staff and resources for civil immigration enforcement.

Why it matters

The move is aimed at safeguarding communities against what Hochul calls 'dangerous federal overreach' and ensuring that New York law enforcement can focus on keeping residents safe rather than doing the job of ICE. Critics argue that 287(g) agreements undermine trust between immigrant communities and local police, while supporters say they help enforce immigration laws.

The details

According to the governor, there are 14 New York law enforcement agencies across nine counties that have signed 287(g) agreements with ICE. The legislation would also prohibit federal agents from using local detention centers for civil immigration enforcement, mass raids, or transporting detainees.

  • Governor Hochul announced the new legislation on January 30, 2026.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The governor of New York who announced the new legislation to limit local law enforcement's role in federal immigration enforcement.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that currently has 287(g) agreements with 14 New York law enforcement agencies, allowing state and local police to be deputized as federal immigration agents.

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What they’re saying

“'Over the last year federal immigration agents have carried out unspeakable acts of violence against Americans under the guise of public safety. These abuses – and the weaponization of local police officers for civil immigration enforcement – will not stand in New York.'”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York (wgrz.com)

What’s next

The proposed legislation will now go through the New York state legislature for consideration and potential passage.

The takeaway

This move by Governor Hochul reflects a growing trend of states and localities seeking to limit their involvement in federal immigration enforcement, citing concerns over civil liberties, community trust, and the proper role of local law enforcement. The outcome of this legislation will be closely watched as part of the ongoing debate over the balance of power between federal and state/local authorities on immigration issues.