Rensselaer County Sues New York Over ICE Cooperation Ban

Rensselaer County filed a federal lawsuit in the Northern District of New York on Tuesday to overturn the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act. The law, signed by Kathy Hochul in May and effective as of August 25, prohibits local law enforcement agencies from entering into 287(g) cooperation agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Governor Hochul defended the ban, stating that local police should focus on violent crimes rather than serving as "de facto ICE agents." While 11 of 13 jurisdictions with such agreements have agreed to withdraw, Rensselaer and Nassau counties remain outliers. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman indicated he is still reviewing the process with legal counsel.

Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin and Sheriff Kyle Bourgault argue the agreements are necessary to identify dangerous criminals and ensure community safety. Saratoga County Sheriff Jeff Brown also indicated he would join the lawsuit despite his jurisdiction not having an active agreement.

The legal battle follows a failed attempt by the U.S. Department of Justice to block the prohibition in federal court, where a judge denied a motion for a preliminary injunction. Governor Hochul warned that any agency maintaining these agreements will face legal action, asserting that previous challenges to the law have failed.