A New York state law prohibiting local law enforcement agencies from cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the 287(g) program officially took effect on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, following months of legal and political debate.
Steuben County terminated its 287(g) agreement in compliance with the new law, according to Sheriff Jim Allard, who confirmed the county’s adherence to the state mandate. The termination follows a directive from Gov. Kathy Hochul, who announced that most of the state’s formal cooperation agreements with ICE had been dissolved ahead of the deadline. Hochul stated that two agencies had not yet informed the state of their compliance, later identifying them as the Nassau County Police Department, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, and the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office.
The law, known as the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act, was signed by Hochul in May as part of the state budget. It prohibits local governments and law enforcement agencies from entering into or maintaining 287(g) agreements, which delegate certain immigration enforcement powers to state and local officers. The legislation also restricts the use of state and local resources for civil immigration enforcement and limits the sharing of sensitive information with federal immigration authorities. Additionally, it establishes protections for students and families in schools and prevents federal immigration agents from entering sensitive locations such as schools and churches.
Legal challenges and political responses
The law has faced immediate pushback from several counties, particularly those led by Republican officials. Rensselaer County and Broome County announced plans to join a federal lawsuit challenging the law, with Nassau County expressing interest in joining. The lawsuit seeks to void the state law and preserve existing 287(g) agreements, which its supporters argue help identify criminals in local custody and improve public safety.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Hochul’s Republican challenger in the upcoming gubernatorial race, criticized the law, stating that cooperation with ICE had led to the removal of 2,000 individuals with criminal records from the county. Blakeman argued that the law would make communities less safe by limiting law enforcement’s ability to work with federal immigration authorities.
In contrast, Hochul defended the law during a press conference, emphasizing that it ensures local police focus on criminal matters rather than civil immigration enforcement. She stated that any agency maintaining an agreement with ICE would face legal action. The New York Attorney General’s Office has issued subpoenas to counties that have not confirmed compliance with the new law.
Background on 287(g) agreements
The 287(g) program, established under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, allows ICE to delegate certain immigration enforcement powers to state and local law enforcement agencies through formal agreements. These agreements typically fall into three categories: the Jail Enforcement Model, which permits officers to screen individuals in custody for immigration violations; the Warrant Service Officer Model, which allows officers to issue ICE detainers; and the Task Force Officer Model, which enables officers to perform immigration enforcement duties during routine operations.
The law’s implementation marks a significant shift in New York’s approach to immigration enforcement, aligning with broader efforts to limit state and local involvement in federal civil immigration matters. The political and legal battles surrounding the law are expected to continue as counties and advocacy groups weigh in on its implications for public safety and immigrant communities.