No Borders NewsNew York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that a statewide ban on 287(g) agreements has taken effect. These agreements allow some local law enforcement agencies to assist with federal civil immigration enforcement.
The ban is part of New York’s “Local Cops, Local Crimes Act,” which was signed into law in May as part of a broader package of immigration-related protections. State officials say the goal is to keep local law enforcement resources focused on local public safety priorities instead of being used for federal immigration enforcement.
According to the announcement, a federal court previously denied the U.S. Department of Justice’s effort to block the law, allowing it to go into effect. The governor and attorney general also said that 287(g) agreements can harm public trust and make it less likely that immigrant communities will report crimes or cooperate with police.
New York’s attorney general said her office will work with law enforcement agencies to ensure they understand their obligations under state law. She also said her office is prepared to enforce the law if agencies do not comply.
The announcement states that before 2025, only one of New York’s 62 counties had a 287(g) agreement with ICE, and that many counties had never entered into such agreements. It also notes that the attorney general previously sent letters to the agencies that still had 287(g) agreements, telling them the agreements must be unwound by Aug. 25, 2026.