N.Y. Senate Pushes Hochul for Stricter ICE Reforms

Lawmakers consider new limits on state-federal immigration enforcement cooperation

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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New York state lawmakers are pushing for more comprehensive restrictions on cooperation between state and federal immigration enforcement agencies, even as Governor Kathy Hochul has already proposed measures to curb such coordination. A working group of state Senate Democrats has been formed to draft proposals that would further limit information sharing between state and local governments and federal officials, including the 'New York for All Act' which could see a vote as early as next month.

Why it matters

The debate highlights a fundamental tension between supporting local law enforcement and protecting the civil liberties of residents, particularly in light of increased federal immigration enforcement activity. Some lawmakers and advocates believe Hochul's initial proposals do not go far enough and are seeking to emulate New York City's more stringent 'sanctuary' policies.

The details

Governor Hochul revealed last month her support for restricting state coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), backing three proposals aimed at curbing federal immigration enforcement across the state. However, some state lawmakers and advocates believe these measures do not head far enough. A key point of contention is the extent to which information is shared between local agencies - including schools, hospitals, and the DMV - and ICE. While Hochul's proposal would end formal agreements between local law enforcement and ICE, it would not prohibit informal information sharing.

  • On January 30th, Hochul backed three proposals aimed at curbing federal immigration enforcement across the state.
  • A vote on the 'New York for All Act' could occur as early as next month.

The players

Governor Kathy Hochul

The governor of New York who has proposed measures to curb state coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

New York State Senate Democrats

A working group of state Senate Democrats that has been formed to draft proposals that would further limit information sharing between state and local governments and federal officials.

Jodi Ziesemer

An expert from the New York Legal Assistance Group who explained that under Hochul's current proposal, 'Schools, hospitals [and] Department of Motor Vehicles would still be able to informally share information of people's sensitive data with ICE.'

Micah Lasher

A Manhattan Democratic Assemblyman who expressed that 'A lot of my colleagues — myself included — want to go even further than the governor.'

Andrea Stewart-Cousins

The New York State Senate Majority Leader who has pledged to pass the 'New York for All Act.'

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What they’re saying

“A lot of my colleagues — myself included — want to go even further than the governor.”

— Micah Lasher, Manhattan Democratic Assemblyman (newsy-today.com)

“The time is now to get something done.”

— Zellnor Myrie, Brooklyn state Senator (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

A vote on the 'New York for All Act' could occur as early as next month.

The takeaway

The debate over immigration enforcement cooperation in New York highlights the delicate balance between supporting local law enforcement and protecting the civil liberties of residents, as lawmakers consider adopting more comprehensive restrictions on state-federal coordination.