New York Governor Kathy Hochul appeared on MS Now’s “Morning Joe” to discuss her proposed legislation, the ‘Local Cops, Local Crimes Act,’ which would prohibit State and local law enforcement agencies from participating in 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These agreements allow local police to cooperate formally with ICE on immigration enforcement.
During the interview, Hochul emphasized that such cooperation can divert local officers from their main duties of keeping communities safe. She stated, “We are not saying that local police cannot cooperate when there’s a criminal investigation. This is what the Republicans are going to challenge and conflate. We have always done that, always will — we want to protect our communities.” She further explained her position: “But why would we want to divert local law enforcement from the local policing. You know catching criminals in the streets, stopping gun trafficking, stopping the flow of drugs. I want my local police doing that and not being deputized for civil only immigration enforcement.”
Hochul criticized ICE training practices and questioned their preparedness: “What training? I don’t think there is training. I think they can get it out of a cracker box.” The governor expressed concern about recent incidents involving ICE operations elsewhere in the country, referencing events in Minneapolis where two people were killed during enforcement actions.
Addressing claims by federal officials that lack of cooperation leads to violence, Hochul said New York has tried to avoid becoming an epicenter for ICE activity. She noted support from various law enforcement leaders for her proposal: “I stood with our Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, along with police officers, police chiefs, Republicans included… They want our local police protecting their communities — not being weaponized to turn against the people that they’re trying to build trust with.”
Hochul also mentioned signs of plans for a large detention center near New York City and said any such project would undergo extensive state review processes.
Discussing ICE’s resources compared to previous years, she said: “They used to be a $6 million agency… now they’re $85 billion. They’re the size of almost half my budget for the entire State of New York.” Hochul argued this growth does not justify expanded reliance on local law enforcement partnerships.
The governor outlined additional legislative proposals aimed at limiting ICE access to sensitive locations such as schools and hospitals and requiring warrants before entering homes.
“We’re taking a strong position and I’m so proud of the people in Minneapolis and elsewhere,” Hochul concluded during her appearance.
