State Blasted Over ICE Cooperation Ban

New York’s new Local Cops, Local Crimes Act is drawing renewed scrutiny as the state moves to enforce a requirement that local law enforcement agencies terminate cooperation agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement by Aug. 25.

The law is at the center of a legal battle between New York and the federal government. The U.S. Department of Justice contends the measure unlawfully interferes with federal immigration enforcement by prohibiting local agencies from participating in a program that allows trained local officers to assist ICE with certain immigration enforcement duties.

State officials maintain the law is intended to keep local police focused on local public safety rather than federal civil immigration enforcement.

Last week, Attorney General Letitia James’ newly created Office of Immigrant Trust notified 12 law enforcement agencies that existing Section 287(g) agreements with ICE must be terminated to comply with state law.

New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar accused state leaders of putting counties in legal jeopardy by requiring them to end the agreements.

“Let’s be clear about what is happening here,” Kassar said. “New York State is violating federal law and demanding that county sheriffs and police departments violate the law, too.”

Kassar argued that immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the federal government and said local officials should not be forced to choose between complying with state law and cooperating with federal authorities.

“The sheriffs and county executives holding the line are on the side of the people,” Kassar said. “They took an oath to uphold the law, and they are keeping it.”

Kassar predicted the federal government ultimately would prevail in court.

“The U.S. Justice Department has already hauled Albany into federal court, and Albany will lose,” he said.

The law takes full effect Aug. 25, when existing Section 287(g) agreements must be terminated under state law unless a court blocks enforcement.