New York Governor Moves to Limit ICE Cooperation with Local Police

Hochul calls ICE a 'rogue federal agency' and proposes legislation to restrict collaboration on civil immigration enforcement

Jan. 30, 2026 at 5:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced plans to introduce legislation that would sharply limit cooperation between local law enforcement agencies and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Hochul criticized ICE as a 'rogue federal agency' that is 'spreading fear in local communities' and said the proposed 'Local Cops, Local Crimes Act' would bar police from assisting ICE in civil immigration enforcement or using police technology to track undocumented immigrants who have not committed crimes.

Why it matters

The move by Governor Hochul reflects growing tensions between state and local governments and the federal immigration enforcement agency. ICE has faced criticism for aggressive tactics and for undermining trust between immigrant communities and local police. This legislation aims to reduce that cooperation and the impact on immigrant residents.

The details

Under the proposed legislation, local police would be prohibited from helping ICE with civil immigration enforcement or using police resources to track undocumented immigrants who have not committed crimes. However, Hochul stressed that cooperation would continue on issues tied to public safety, such as terrorism, violent crime, guns, and gangs - regardless of immigration status. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch voiced support for the bill, saying it would not interfere with partnerships involving serious criminal activity.

  • Governor Hochul announced the proposed legislation at a press conference on Friday, January 30, 2026.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York who is moving to limit cooperation between local police and ICE.

Jessica Tisch

The New York City Police Commissioner who said the proposed legislation would not interfere with partnerships involving serious criminal activity.

Bruce Blakeman

The Nassau County Executive, whose county has been among the most active in working with ICE on both criminal and civil immigration enforcement.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This ends now.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York

“When individuals enter this country illegally and commit crimes, I want them arrested and tried.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York

What’s next

The proposed 'Local Cops, Local Crimes Act' will now go through the legislative process in New York State.

The takeaway

Governor Hochul's move to limit ICE cooperation with local police reflects a growing divide between state/local governments and the federal immigration agency. The legislation aims to reduce the impact on immigrant communities while still allowing collaboration on serious criminal matters.