New York State Enforces Ban on Local Law Enforcement Cooperation with Federal Immigration Enforcement through 287(g) Agr

Current rules

The Local Cops, Local Crimes Act prohibits local governments and law enforcement agencies in New York State from entering into, modifying, renewing, remaining in, or extending any agreement pursuant to Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). This includes agreements under which an officer or employee may engage in or assist immigration enforcement, or otherwise perform a function of an immigration officer. Existing 287(g) agreements became void and unenforceable on 25 August 2026. The Act also prohibits the use of correctional facilities, juvenile detention facilities, and facilities for youth to house federal civil immigration detainees.

Overview

The New York Attorney General and Governor have announced the first enforcement action by the newly established Office of Immigrant Trust (OIT). This initiative requires 12 local law enforcement agencies in New York State to cease their participation in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 287(g) agreements. The directive stems from the 'Local Cops, Local Crimes Act', which came into force on 27 May 2026, prohibiting local entities from engaging in federal civil immigration enforcement and mandating the termination of existing agreements by 25 August 2026.

What changed in the latest version

This policy change greatly alters how immigration enforcement works in New York State. It takes away local law enforcement's power to act as federal immigration agents. Immigrant communities may feel safer when they interact with local groups. This is because local involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement had reduced trust. This change addresses that problem. Law enforcement agencies must now focus more on local public safety. This will stop them using resources for federal immigration matters. Local agencies that do not follow the rules could face investigations and legal action. This would come from the Office of Immigrant Trust. Therefore, all affected groups must follow the new state law. They must end 287(g) agreements by the set deadline.

Explained simply

Imagine if your local school or police station could share your family's information with a federal agency that might deport someone, even if they hadn't committed a local crime. New York State has just said, 'No more!' A new law, called the 'Local Cops, Local Crimes Act', means that local police and councils can't team up with federal immigration officers to handle civil immigration issues. They have until 25 August 2026 to cut these old ties, and they shouldn't be doing it anymore anyway. This is so people feel safe reporting local problems without worrying about federal immigration consequences.

Frequently asked

Version history

1. v8Effective 27 May 2026EffectiveCritical impact
   New York State Enforces Ban on Local Law Enforcement Cooperation with Federal Immigration Enforcement through 287(g) Agreements

   New York State's ‘Local Cops, Local Crimes Act’ became law on 27 May 2026. This Act stops local governments and law enforcement agencies from using Section 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE is the main United States government agency that enforces immigration laws. This law says all existing 287(g) agreements must end. They became invalid and could not be used after 25 August 2026. Therefore, local law enforcement officers cannot carry out civil immigration enforcement. Civil immigration enforcement deals with immigration rules that are not crimes. Local facilities cannot house federal civil immigration detainees. A detainee is someone held in custody. The new Office of Immigrant Trust, part of the Attorney General's Office, will make sure these rules are followed across New York State.