New York Sheriffs Sue Over Local Cops Local Crimes Act
Thirteen county sheriffs filed a legal challenge against new state restrictions on local collaboration with federal immigration agencies.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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Thirteen county sheriffs in New York are suing the state to challenge the Local Cops Local Crimes Act, which restricts local law enforcement from assisting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The law, signed by Governor Kathy Hochul, also establishes an Office of Immigrant Trust.
Why it matters
The legislation was introduced due to concerns regarding aggressive ICE enforcement actions during the second administration of President Donald Trump. It aims to prohibit local agencies from entering into formal or informal agreements that facilitate federal immigration detention.
Thirteen county sheriffs have filed a lawsuit against the state government to overturn the new law. The ban on detaining individuals for civil immigration violations is scheduled to take effect on November 25, 2026.
The players
Kathy Hochul
She is the Governor of New York who signed the Local Cops Local Crimes Act into law.
Donald Trump
He is the President of the United States whose administration prompted legislative concerns regarding ICE enforcement actions.
Bruce Blakeman
He is a political figure who engaged in a public debate with Governor Hochul regarding the state immigration policies.
The details
The law restricts local departments from detaining individuals for civil immigration violations or sharing information for federal warrants. While existing contracts related to federal criminal charges are permitted, the Attorney General has urged agencies to terminate existing 287(g) agreements, which were first adopted by Rensselaer County in 2018.
Timeline
2018: Rensselaer County signed the first 287(g) agreement in New York.
September 2026: Sheriffs announced the lawsuit during a press conference.
October 2026: Governor Kathy Hochul and Bruce Blakeman debated the state immigration policy.
November 25, 2026: The civil immigration detention ban officially takes effect.
Legal Context
The Local Cops Local Crimes Act marks a formal departure from the federal 287(g) program by prohibiting local agencies from entering into such agreements. This legal conflict reflects ongoing tensions between state authority and federal immigration enforcement priorities in New York.
Local law enforcement agencies across New York are adjusting their operational protocols to comply with the new restrictions on federal collaboration. Orange County, for instance, faces a projected $10 million budget loss as a result of the changing regulatory environment.
The takeaway
The implementation of this law signals a significant shift in how New York counties manage cooperation with federal authorities. Residents should monitor future court rulings as they will determine whether the civil detention ban remains in place or faces modification.
What happens next
The ban on detaining individuals for civil immigration violations is scheduled to take effect on November 25, 2026.
Further reading
For more context on state police policies, visit Law Enforcement.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WAMC/Northeast Public Radio.
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