President Donald Trump’s border czar is warning that New York could see a dramatic increase in federal immigration enforcement if state leaders move forward with legislation designed to limit cooperation between local agencies and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Tom Homan delivered the warning on Tuesday, May 5th, at the Border Security Expo in Phoenix, Arizona, where he sharply criticized sanctuary-style policies being advanced in New York and other Democratic-led states.
According to video from the event, Homan said the federal government is prepared to dramatically increase the number of ICE personnel operating in New York if the state adopts restrictions on cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
“So what’s going to happen to places like New York and these other people that want to pass this ridiculous legislation not to work with us?” said Homan. “We’re going to flood the zone. You’re going to see more ICE agents than you’ve ever seen before.”
The comments come as Governor Kathy Hochul and Democratic lawmakers in Albany continue negotiating a broader immigration policy package tied to the state budget. Earlier this year, Hochul introduced legislation known as the “Local Cops, Local Crimes Act,” which would prohibit local governments from entering into formal agreements with ICE and would also restrict federal immigration agents from using state personnel, technology or local jail resources for civil immigration enforcement.
Supporters of the proposal say the legislation is intended to keep local law enforcement focused on community policing rather than federal immigration matters. Critics argue it would further solidify New York’s sanctuary policies and limit cooperation between local police and federal agencies.
The reality, however, is that its drafting came in direct response to Trump’s enforcement actions after taking office.
Homan warned that reducing cooperation from local governments would force ICE to increase its own operations directly inside communities.
He said that would likely lead to a rise in what federal officials refer to as “collateral arrests,” individuals who may not have originally been targeted by ICE but are encountered during enforcement operations.
“So congratulations, because when we send these teams out there we’ll find the bad guy. Most times we do,” said Homan. “And when we find the bad guy, he’s with others; others who might not be a priority target but they’re in the country illegally. They weren’t people we were looking for, but we found them during these operations. Well, guess what? They’re coming too.”
“You’re going to see collateral arrests increase in these areas. You’re going to see more agents in your neighborhoods because you forced us in this position.”
The remarks immediately escalated tensions between the Trump administration and New York officials over immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies, which have become a major flashpoint nationally.
Hochul responded by defending her proposal and reiterating that New York would continue cooperating with federal authorities in cases involving violent offenders and serious criminal activity.
In a video statement posted online, the governor argued that local police should remain focused on protecting communities rather than carrying out civil immigration enforcement.
“The premise behind this is simple. That local law enforcement is there for one purpose, that is to help protect our communities.”
Hochul also pushed back against suggestions that New York was refusing all cooperation with federal immigration authorities, emphasizing that the state would still work with ICE in certain situations.
“We will continue working with ICE in cases of dangerous criminals. We always have, we always will, that will not waver.
The governor also referenced previous comments from President Trump regarding immigration enforcement in New York.
“All I’ll say to Mr. Homan is that Donald Trump himself said he would not send a surge of ICE agents to the state of New York unless I ask. I’m not asking.”
The clash highlights the increasingly aggressive battle between Democratic-led states and the Trump administration over immigration policy as federal officials intensify enforcement operations nationwide.
New York has already emerged as one of the central battlegrounds in that fight, particularly as Albany Democrats push for stronger statewide sanctuary protections. Legislative proposals under discussion would not only restrict cooperation agreements with ICE but could also expand protections for undocumented immigrants in schools, hospitals, churches and other public spaces.
Critics of the proposals, including county sheriffs and Republican lawmakers, have warned the measures could hinder communication between local and federal law enforcement agencies and potentially create public safety concerns.
The dispute is quickly becoming both a legal and political showdown—one that will have major implications for local law enforcement and immigrant communities.
