Hochul remains defiant after sheriffs sue over law banning cooperation with ICE: 'Bring it on'

More than a dozen New York sheriffs have filed a federal lawsuit challenging a new state law that prohibits law enforcement from cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on civil immigration matters. Governor Kathy Hochul has vowed to defend the law and take legal action against any officials who refuse to comply. The lawsuit argues the law is unconstitutional and restricts sheriffs’ abilities to enter into federally authorized agreements.

• Over a dozen New York sheriffs are suing Governor Kathy Hochul over a new state law banning cooperation with ICE.
• The law, known as the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act, prohibits local and state law enforcement from partnering with federal authorities on civil immigration matters.
• Rensselaer County Sheriff Kyle Bourgault is leading the federal lawsuit, arguing the law is unconstitutional.
• Governor Hochul has dared the suing officials to “bring it on” and threatened legal action against those who do not comply.
• New York Attorney General Letitia James has issued subpoenas to several law enforcement agencies that have not fully complied with the law.
• The Department of Homeland Security criticized Hochul’s law, stating it “must stop putting politics above public safety.”