New York Governor Pushes for Sweeping Sanctuary State Measures

Hochul proposes banning local cooperation with ICE and restricting federal immigration enforcement activities

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:21pm

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A cinematic painting of a solitary police car parked on a dimly lit city street at night, the red and blue lights reflecting off the wet pavement, capturing a sense of quiet contemplation about the role of law enforcement.As tensions over immigration enforcement escalate, a New York governor's push for sweeping sanctuary state policies raises questions about the appropriate role of local police.NYC Today

New York Governor Kathy Hochul is pushing for aggressive new anti-ICE measures that would ban nearly all cooperation between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The proposed legislation would make it a misdemeanor for ICE agents to wear masks, prohibit ICE from operating in various public spaces without a judicial warrant, and create an overarching ban on any public employee using state resources to aid federal immigration authorities.

Why it matters

The new sanctuary state policies would significantly limit ICE's ability to operate in New York and represent a major escalation in the state's efforts to protect undocumented immigrants from federal immigration enforcement. The measures are part of Hochul's broader $263 billion spending and policy plan and have sparked debate over the appropriate role of local law enforcement in immigration matters.

The details

Hochul's proposed measures include: banning police from cooperating with ICE unless there is a criminal conviction or probable cause, prohibiting ICE agents from wearing masks, expanding the list of public areas where ICE is prohibited from operating without a judicial warrant, and creating a blanket ban on any public employee using state resources to aid federal immigration authorities. The governor says local police should focus on local crimes, not 'doing ICE's job'.

  • Hochul unveiled the new anti-ICE measures as part of the ongoing state budget negotiations with the Democrat-controlled Legislature.
  • The proposals build on an executive order signed in 2018 by former Governor Andrew Cuomo barring state employees and law enforcement from helping immigration authorities.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The current Governor of New York who is pushing for the new sanctuary state measures.

Andrea Stewart-Cousins

The Democratic Senate Majority Leader who has been demanding a deal based on the most sweeping sanctuary proposal, the New York 4 All Act.

Carl Heastie

The Democratic Assembly Speaker who acknowledged the legislature wants even tougher restrictions on when law enforcement can contact ICE.

Emily Gallagher

A Democratic Assemblymember who criticized Hochul's 'probable cause' requirement as potentially leading to racial profiling.

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What they’re saying

“Local cops should be focused on local crimes, keeping our streets safe … not doing ICE's job.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York

“Allowing cops to decide if they will collude with ICE on this basis is giving them carte blanche to racially profile NYers.”

— Emily Gallagher, New York Assemblymember

What’s next

The proposed sanctuary state measures are still being negotiated as part of New York's state budget process. The legislature and governor will need to reach a final agreement before the policies can be enacted into law.

The takeaway

Hochul's push for sweeping new sanctuary state policies reflects the ongoing tensions between state and local governments over immigration enforcement, with New York seeking to dramatically limit ICE's ability to operate within its borders. The debate highlights the complex balance between public safety, civil liberties, and the role of local law enforcement in federal immigration matters.