Gov. Hochul Unveils New Anti-ICE Proposal
ALBANY – On Friday, Governor Kathy Hochul revealed a fresh initiative aimed at limiting the influence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This plan suggests terminating existing partnerships between local law enforcement and federal agencies, a move that directly challenges her Republican opponent, Bruce Blakeman.
Oddly enough, Hochul pointed out that authorities already need a warrant to enter private property. Still, she plans to propose adding residential homes to a list of “sensitive locations,” which includes schools and places of worship, that ICE agents would be barred from entering.
“In this moment of oppression, we are called to act,” Hochul stated during a press conference in Manhattan, standing alongside NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch and various district attorneys from the state.
Hochul, running for re-election this year, has heeded calls from her base to counter President Trump’s immigration enforcement policies. Her announcement marks her most vigorous call yet to resist ICE as she zeroes in on Nassau County, where Blakeman is a candidate.
The Democratic governor aims to stop local governments from entering into agreements that permit ICE to use local resources for enforcement or detainment purposes. Presently, only a few counties, including Nassau, have such agreements in place.
Blakeman did not hold back with his criticism, branding Hochul as “the most pro-crime governor in America,” claiming she shows a blatant disregard for community safety and crime victims. He also announced plans to veto the proposed bill if elected.
Despite the backlash, Hochul maintained that her measure wouldn’t complicate efforts to locate criminal immigrants. Furthermore, she denied that this initiative was tied to her electoral campaign.
“It doesn’t matter who runs, this is the right thing to do at this point,” she said.
In a previous announcement, shortly after the tragic death of Alex Preti in Minneapolis, Hochul proposed allowing New Yorkers to sue ICE agents and preventing them from accessing “sensitive locations” like hospitals and schools. Her latest proposition expands that list to include private residences.
“This is a story about a rogue federal agency running amok on America’s streets for the sole purpose of creating chaos, carnage, and fear,” she emphasized, labeling federal agents as a “poorly trained paramilitary force.”
