New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced plans to introduce a new state law aimed at ending participation in federal 287(g) agreements, which allow local police to act as immigration agents. The move comes amid growing public outcry against aggressive immigration enforcement following the fatal shooting of two people by federal agents in Minneapolis.
Hochul described her proposal as an attempt to "end this moment of tyranny" and said she will seek to ban 287(g) agreements that give local law enforcement agencies the authority to carry out some immigration enforcement duties. However, the governor has indicated that local police agencies can still assist federal authorities in apprehending criminals and providing crowd control.
The move is likely to spark a confrontation with Republican county executives who currently have 287(g) agreements in place. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the GOP's gubernatorial candidate, has vowed to veto the legislation, calling Hochul "the most pro-criminal governor in the United States" with a "callous disregard for the safety of our communities and victims of crime."
Advocacy groups have welcomed Hochul's announcement, but are pushing for more comprehensive protections. The New York Immigration Coalition is supporting the passage of the existing New York for All Act, which would prohibit officers from using public resources for immigration enforcement except when required by law.
Localities in other parts of the state have also been involved in 287(g) agreements, with Rensselaer County being the first to broker a deal in 2018. However, some officials have expressed concerns about ending the program, citing its effectiveness in identifying and deporting individuals with outstanding warrants or serious crimes.
As Hochul's proposal moves forward, it remains to be seen whether she will achieve her goal of ending the 287(g) agreements that allow local police to act as immigration agents.
Hochul described her proposal as an attempt to "end this moment of tyranny" and said she will seek to ban 287(g) agreements that give local law enforcement agencies the authority to carry out some immigration enforcement duties. However, the governor has indicated that local police agencies can still assist federal authorities in apprehending criminals and providing crowd control.
The move is likely to spark a confrontation with Republican county executives who currently have 287(g) agreements in place. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the GOP's gubernatorial candidate, has vowed to veto the legislation, calling Hochul "the most pro-criminal governor in the United States" with a "callous disregard for the safety of our communities and victims of crime."
Advocacy groups have welcomed Hochul's announcement, but are pushing for more comprehensive protections. The New York Immigration Coalition is supporting the passage of the existing New York for All Act, which would prohibit officers from using public resources for immigration enforcement except when required by law.
Localities in other parts of the state have also been involved in 287(g) agreements, with Rensselaer County being the first to broker a deal in 2018. However, some officials have expressed concerns about ending the program, citing its effectiveness in identifying and deporting individuals with outstanding warrants or serious crimes.
As Hochul's proposal moves forward, it remains to be seen whether she will achieve her goal of ending the 287(g) agreements that allow local police to act as immigration agents.
I mean, I guess it's about time someone did something about this whole 287(g) thing. Like, who wants their grandma or neighbor arrested for a minor infraction and then deported? Not exactly the most welcoming vibe for our communities 
. And honestly, can't these local police just focus on keeping us safe instead of getting all up in immigration business? It's not like they don't have enough to do already 
. But hey, if Kathy Hochul is trying to end this tyranny and all that, I'm down for it 
... as long as she doesn't make our local police too powerless to protect us 
.
I think Kathy Hochul is making a really smart move by trying to end these 287(g) agreements. It's about time we stop letting our local cops get involved in enforcing immigration laws 
. We need to keep them focused on keeping us safe from real crimes, not worrying about who's got papers or not 
. I'm also with the New York Immigration Coalition on this one - more comprehensive protections for immigrants and asylum seekers would be a huge step forward 
. It's time to make our state a sanctuary for all, regardless of their status 
. We should be supporting Hochul's efforts, not just opposing them 
. Bring on the progress! 
.
. We can't just cut out an entire program without understanding what will happen next and how it will affect public safety. And Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman's reaction is a bit extreme, don't you think? 
gotta hope it sets a precedent for more states to take action 
about this move by Gov Hochul!!! finally something is being done about those aggressive immigration enforcers!!! it's like, hello we don't want our cops profiling and deporting people just because they're undocumented 
my cousin's friend was targeted by one of these 'aggressive' agents and he almost got arrested for nothing!!! 
this law change is gonna save so many lives and bring some sanity back to our communities 
and not just following the party line 
. I mean, can you imagine being pulled over for a minor traffic infraction and suddenly finding out that the cops are not just gonna let you go because they're just doing their job, but also because of your immigration status? 
. The 287(g) agreements have been around for too long and it's only causing more problems than solutions. By ending these agreements, Governor Hochul is taking a step in the right direction towards creating safer communities for everyone 
.
! It's about time we take a stand against these aggressive immigration enforcement tactics that are just perpetuating fear and mistrust in our communities 
. I mean, who needs their local cops to be acting like immigration agents? That's just not right, you know? 
. As someone who's always been passionate about social justice, it's amazing to see a governor taking bold action against these types of policies that can be super intimidating for communities of color.