On January 30, Governor Hochul announced what she calls the “Local Cops, Local Crimes Act,” doubling down on the long-standing effort by Progressive Democrats to block cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. This approach moves New York in the wrong direction.
By prohibiting enforcement agreements with the federal government, expanding so-called “sensitive locations,” and inviting lawsuits against officers acting in the course of their duties, the governor is further limiting the ability of law enforcement agencies to work together to remove dangerous criminals from our communities.
While there is an ongoing national debate about immigration policy, one thing should not be controversial—violent offenders and repeat criminals should not be released back onto our streets because of political obstruction. Policies that interfere with lawful transfers of custody increase that risk and create the kind of enforcement chaos we are already seeing in other states.
New York has spent years moving toward sanctuary-style policies and efforts to shield offenders from deportation. The governor’s proposal continues that trend, despite serious questions about constitutionality and public safety.
Assembly Republicans believe cooperation—not conflict—between local, state, and federal law enforcement is essential to keeping our neighborhoods safe. We will continue to advocate for policies that prioritize victims, support our police, and focus enforcement where it belongs: on criminals who pose a real threat to our communities.
Public safety should always come first. New York cannot afford policies that increase the risk of dangerous criminals being released back into our communities.