NEW YORK – A coalition of 15 New York county sheriffs has filed a federal lawsuit against Gov. Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James, challenging a new state law that restricts local law enforcement cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The suit, filed in federal court on Tuesday, August 25, targets the newly enacted “Local Cops, Local Crimes Act”. The law officially took effect Tuesday and bans formal agreements between local agencies and ICE, including 287(g) programs that grant local officers civil immigration enforcement authority. While Gov. Hochul maintains the law enhances public safety by distancing the state from aggressive federal tactics, the participating sheriffs argue the restriction undermines their independent authority and removes a critical tool for public safety.
Key details surrounding the lawsuit, participating counties, and official responses include:
- Participating Sheriffs: The legal challenge includes the sheriffs of Wayne, Cayuga, Broome, Madison, Cattaraugus, Rensselaer, St. Lawrence, Orange, Jefferson, Saratoga, Lewis, Franklin, Delaware, Fulton, and Oswego counties.
- Surge in ICE Agreements: While only one New York county held a formal 287(g) agreement prior to 2025, 12 local agencies had established partnerships by late July.
- Notable Absence: Nassau County—which holds two active ICE agreements and was recently subpoenaed by Attorney General James—was notably absent from the filing.
- State Leaders Respond: In a joint statement, Hochul and James dismissed the lawsuit as a “frivolous waste of taxpayer dollars,” noting that courts previously declined to block the measure and emphasizing their expectation that all agencies comply with state law.
