New York law curbing local police cooperation with ICE takes effect today
MANHATTAN (WABC) -- A new state law in New York prohibiting local police agencies from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement takes effect Tuesday, setting up a potential legal showdown between the state and Nassau County, which has not yet committed to complying with the measure.
The legislation, known as the Local Cops Local Crimes Act, bars local government agencies from entering into or maintaining agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to carry out civil immigration enforcement and detain immigrants in local jails.
According to state officials, 13 counties had such agreements in place when Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the measure into law in May. Eleven counties said they would end those arrangements by the deadline, but some counties, including Nassau, are still weighing their options.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who is running for governor, has said the county is considering whether to comply with the law. One of the key questions is whether Nassau could challenge the statute in court, arguing it infringes on local governing authority. Another unresolved issue is whether New York could withhold federal funding flowing to counties that refuse to comply.
Gov. Hochul is scheduled to address the new law during a 10 a.m. news conference.
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