Hochul Unveils Bill to End ICE’s Weaponization of Local Law Enforcement

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has unveiled a bill to bar local police from being deputized by Immigration and Customs Enforcement for federal civil immigration enforcement.

In a written statement, Hochul said: “Over the last year federal immigration agents have carried out unspeakable acts of violence against Americans under the guise of public safety. These abuses – and the weaponization of local police officers for civil immigration enforcement – will not stand in New York.”

Hochul added: “Today, I’m announcing new actions that will safeguard our communities against dangerous federal overreach and ensure that New York law enforcement is focused on keeping New Yorkers safe – not doing the job of ICE.”

The governor’s move comes amid growing opposition to federal immigration enforcement. While most Americans support President Donald Trump’s massive deportations following President Joe Biden’s wide-open border policies, resistance to ICE has surged among the left after a series of high-profile confrontations, fatal shootings, and aggressive enforcement tactics.

Killings of civilians during ICE-led operations in Minneapolis ignited protests, including a rare general strike in Minnesota — all while most of the nation remained calm amid numerous deportations. Local governments from Texas to Minnesota have passed resolutions condemning federal immigration deployments, while international tensions flared after an ICE agent attempted to enter Ecuador’s Consulate in Minneapolis, drawing a diplomatic protest.

Critics have also condemned new ICE surveillance programs and technology contracts, warning that they erode privacy and accountability. Hochul’s proposal would prohibit federal use of local jails for civil immigration detentions while still allowing cooperation on criminal cases. The governor has previously acted against ICE by backing bills that would let New Yorkers sue agents for alleged constitutional violations and require judicial warrants for ICE in “sensitive locations.”

Immigrant advocates argue these measures are necessary to protect communities from overly aggressive federal enforcement, while critics say they could undermine public safety and hinder cooperation with federal authorities.

By Solange Reyner | Friday, 30 January 2026 03:49 PM EST