New York and Tennessee Clash Over ICE Police Cooperation

Lawmakers in New York and Tennessee are pursuing opposing strategies regarding local police cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul proposed legislation to restrict formal cooperation agreements and limit enforcement in sensitive locations. This legislative push follows the deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, killed by ICE officers in Minneapolis. While advocacy groups like the New York Immigration Coalition push for the comprehensive New York for All Act, Republican Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra argues that restricting information sharing compromises public safety. Because of a legislative deadlock, these restrictions may be integrated into the $263 billion state budget due March 31.

Simultaneously, Tennessee is moving to codify immigration enforcement. State Senator Jack Johnson sponsored a bill that would mandate every sheriff's department in Tennessee participate in the ICE 287(g) program, which allows local officers to perform limited immigration enforcement tasks. The bill passed the Senate State and Local Government Committee on March 25 and is scheduled for House review on March 31. Supporters, including Representative Johnny Garrett, claim the measure is necessary to combat violent crime. Opponents, such as Representative Gabby Salinas, argue the mandate unfairly targets non-criminals and discourages victims from reporting crimes due to fear of deportation.