By 5 Towns Central Staff

NEW YORK STATE (August 13, 2026)

New York law enforcement agencies with agreements allowing them to assist federal immigration authorities have been given 13 days to end those arrangements or potentially face legal action, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday.

The directive follows a provision in New York’s fiscal year 2027 budget that prohibits local law enforcement agencies from participating in federal civil immigration enforcement. The policy is part of New York’s broader sanctuary-style approach, which has drawn strong criticism from the Trump administration and federal immigration officials.

Hochul said agencies that have agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement must formally terminate them before the new law takes effect.

“You’re on notice,” Hochul said, giving agencies 13 days to unwind their agreements with ICE. She added that departments that fail to comply “will face legal action,” arguing that local police should focus on protecting their communities rather than carrying out federal immigration duties.

NY Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul: “I signed one of the most comprehensive laws to rein in ICE in the entire country. It prohibits law enforcement agencies from having formal agreements with ICE.” pic.twitter.com/nRjCJAu0oP

— TheBlaze (@theblaze) August 13, 2026

Attorney General Letitia James said last month that at least 12 New York law enforcement agencies had agreements with ICE, including the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office. Other agencies identified include the Madison, Broome and Otsego County sheriff’s offices and the Camden Police Department.

The agreements fall under ICE’s 287(g) program, which allows specially trained state and local officers to assist with certain federal immigration enforcement responsibilities. Depending on the agreement, those duties can include immigration enforcement within jails, joint task-force operations and the execution of administrative immigration warrants involving individuals already in custody.

ICE currently has 287(g) agreements with law enforcement agencies across dozens of states and U.S. territories.

Supporters of New York’s new restrictions argue that immigration enforcement should remain the responsibility of the federal government and that local police cooperation can undermine trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.

Critics, including federal officials, argue that limiting cooperation makes it more difficult to identify and detain individuals who may be subject to deportation, particularly when they are already in local custody.

The legal battle could ultimately center on the constitutional limits of federal and state authority. While the federal government controls immigration policy, the Supreme Court has held that Washington generally cannot force state and local governments to administer federal programs.

New York’s law is therefore likely to face continued scrutiny as state and federal officials clash over how much authority local police should have to assist ICE.