Understanding Governor Kathy Hochul’s ICE Bill: A Closer Look at the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act

 Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has recently put forward a new piece of legislation aimed at reshaping how local law enforcement interacts with federal immigration authorities, particularly U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This proposal, known as the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act, has sparked significant discussion among policymakers, immigrant rights advocates, law enforcement officials, and the general public. The bill’s introduction underscores ongoing debates about immigration policy, public safety, and the balance of state versus federal authority in law enforcement functions. At its core, Hochul’s bill would limit cooperation between local police and ICE — a move that supporters say will protect immigrant communities and critics argue could complicate public safety efforts.

Background and Purpose of the ICE Bill

Governor Hochul, a Democrat, unveiled the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act in late January 2026 as part of a broader effort to “stand up” to what she and other supporters describe as aggressive federal immigration enforcement practices that have caused fear and trauma in communities across the United States. Under the proposed legislation, local and state law enforcement agencies in New York would be prohibited from entering into formal agreements with ICE that deputize local officers to carry out federal civil immigration enforcement tasks. Known as 287(g) agreements, these arrangements currently allow local police to act on behalf of the federal government to detain and process individuals suspected of immigration violations. The bill would effectively dissolve such contracts and bar local jails from being used for civil immigration detention operations without a valid judicial warrant.

The proposal reflects growing concern among many New York lawmakers and constituents about the role of local police in immigration enforcement. Proponents argue that involving municipal law enforcement in federal civil immigration work erodes trust between police and immigrant communities and diverts local resources away from public safety priorities like crime prevention and community policing. Governor Hochul has emphasized that the bill would still allow cooperation with federal authorities in cases involving serious violent crimes, ensuring that criminal enforcement remains a priority.

Key Elements of the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act

At its core, the ICE bill would target formal collaboration between local authorities and ICE. It would:

Ban 287(g) agreements that allow local law enforcement officers to enforce federal immigration laws during routine duties. By ending these contracts, the legislation seeks to prevent local police from essentially becoming extensions of a federal agency in civil immigration matters.

Prohibit ICE from using local jails and police facilities Kathy Hochul ICE bill for civil immigration enforcement, meaning that detainees could not be held or processed in county or municipal detention centers under ICE authority, except under narrowly defined conditions involving a valid warrant.

Preserve cooperation in criminal matters by still allowing local police and state authorities to assist federal law enforcement in apprehending violent criminals or participating in joint efforts against serious offenses, a provision included to address public safety concerns.

Potentially empower individuals to pursue legal action if their constitutional rights are violated during immigration enforcement actions. Although this component has been reported in some news summaries, its exact legal parameters are subject to legislative debate as the bill moves through the New York State Legislature.

Supporters of the bill also point to recent federal immigration actions, including controversial raids and enforcement operations that have drawn public scrutiny. These events have shaped the context in which Hochul advocates for state-level restrictions on ICE involvement.

Support, Opposition, and Broader Implications

The bill has attracted support from immigrant rights advocates, progressive legislators, civil liberties groups, and some law enforcement officials who believe that separating local policing from federal immigration functions will build trust and improve community relations. They argue that immigrant communities are more likely to report crimes and engage with police when they do not fear deportation or civil immigration detention.

However, critics — including some Republican leaders and public safety advocates — contend that the legislation could weaken cooperation between state and federal authorities and hamper efforts to detain and remove individuals who pose public safety risks. Opponents argue that ending formal cooperation with ICE might limit law enforcement’s ability to address certain illegal activities effectively. Some have even pledged to veto the bill if elected to higher office, framing it as undermining law enforcement tools.

Moreover, the bill’s introduction comes amid wider immigration policy debates nationwide, with New York’s proposal seen as part of a larger push by progressive states to assert more control over immigration enforcement within their borders. If passed, this legislation could set a precedent for other states seeking to limit local involvement in federal civil immigration actions.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment in Immigration Policy Debate

Governor Kathy Hochul’s ICE bill represents a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about state-level immigration policy and the role of local law enforcement. By proposing to end formal collaborations between police and ICE, the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act highlights tensions between protecting immigrant communities, maintaining public safety, and balancing local versus federal authority. As the New York State Legislature considers the bill, its progress will be closely watched by policymakers and advocates nationwide, serving as a barometer for broader immigration policy trends in the United State