Governor Kathy Hochul signed a far-reaching package of immigration-related policies as part of New York’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget, enacting some of the nation’s most restrictive limits on cooperation between local governments and federal immigration authorities.
The legislation, which was folded into the state’s $268 billion budget, creates new barriers to Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations across New York while expanding legal protections for immigrants, students and others who may come into contact with federal immigration authorities.
Liberals have praised the measures as necessary safeguards against what they describe as overreach by federal immigration officials. Republicans, however, argue the policies prioritize political messaging over public safety and will make it more difficult for local law enforcement agencies to work with federal authorities.
While announcing the package, Hochul defended the legislation and took direct aim at ICE.
“Blatant abuses of power by ICE will not be tolerated in New York,” said Hochul while announcing the legislation.
The new laws represent one of the most significant state-level immigration overhauls in recent years and place New York among the states with the strongest restrictions on federal civil immigration enforcement.
One of the most controversial provisions prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies from entering into new 287(g) agreements, which allow local officers to assist federal immigration authorities with certain enforcement functions.
The legislation also bars local governments from helping finance immigration detention facilities and restricts efforts to modify zoning laws for detention centers without public review.
The governor has previously said that local police departments should focus on crime prevention and community policing rather than federal immigration enforcement.
The legislation additionally limits when immigration authorities may enter non-public portions of state and local facilities without a judicial warrant.
The restrictions apply to a broad list of locations including schools, hospitals, libraries, shelters, child care centers, community centers, student housing facilities, public parks and polling places.
Private institutions such as hospitals and houses of worship are also granted greater authority to deny access to immigration agents who lack judicial warrants.
The budget package further prohibits public employees from conducting civil immigration investigations, sharing certain personal information with immigration authorities, granting access to restricted government spaces without legal authorization or using immigration officers as interpreters.
Another provision creates a legal pathway allowing individuals to pursue claims against federal officials accused of violating constitutional rights.
State lawmakers also expanded protections for immigrant students by formally recognizing access to public education regardless of immigration status, limiting the collection and disclosure of immigration-related information and prohibiting schools from transferring students into immigration custody without a court order.
The legislation includes another highly debated measure aimed at law enforcement transparency. State, local and federal officers will generally be prohibited from wearing face coverings during interactions with the public, although exceptions remain for medical masks, tactical safety equipment and sunglasses.
Democrats say this promotes accountability. Republicans say it puts ICE agents’ lives in danger.
The immigration package has generated immediate opposition from several local officials and law enforcement leaders who argue the measures go too far in restricting communication and cooperation with federal authorities.
Former democratic Governor David Paterson criticized the legislation and described it as an “egregious mistake,” warning that the policies could lead to increased legal disputes and conflicts between state and federal governments.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who is running against Hochul for governor, has vowed to challenge portions of the law in court and has refused to back away from existing immigration cooperation agreements, arguing that local partnerships with ICE help remove individuals accused or convicted of crimes from communities.
Several county sheriffs have also publicly opposed the legislation, with many arguing that ending 287(g) partnerships removes an effective law enforcement tool and could complicate efforts to coordinate with federal agencies.
The budget process itself has also drawn criticism.
Opponents questioned why such significant immigration policy changes were included in a must-pass state budget rather than moving through the traditional legislative process as standalone bills.
With Hochul officially signing the legislation now signed into law, attention now shifts to the courts where legal challenges are anticipated from several local governments and law enforcement officials who argue the new restrictions exceed the state’s authority and interfere with public safety operations.
