New York AG Investigates Local Law Enforcement on Immigration Enforcement
New York Attorney General Letitia James is undertaking a significant fraud investigation targeting local law enforcement agencies, particularly in connection with immigration enforcement practices. This initiative appears to intersect with efforts by the Trump administration to address illegal immigration.
The focus of the Attorney General’s office is on the collaboration between local law enforcement and federal agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Department of Homeland Security.
A recent communication directed to Oswego County Sheriff Don Hilton demands that he formalize an agreement with federal authorities concerning the enforcement of immigration laws. The letter also requests documents related to officers who have received federal training in immigration enforcement.
The letter referenced a provision under New York’s official misconduct law. Lillian Marquez, the deputy director of the AG’s Law Enforcement Fraud Investigation Bureau, indicated that there are legitimate reasons to believe the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office has relevant information concerning the case.
The AG’s office is asking the sheriff to provide documents or details about the request and the apprehension or detention of individuals suspected of violating immigration laws.
Additionally, information is being sought related to specific incidents, such as “member-initiated stops,” which could include traffic stop reports, body camera footage, and any audio recordings made during these encounters.
All communication records between members of the Sheriff’s Office and those from Homeland Security and its subdivisions, including ICE and CBP during traffic stops, are also required.
New York State operates under an executive order, established during Andrew Cuomo’s governorship and continued by Governor Kathy Hochul, that limits the ability of law enforcement to investigate, arrest, or deport undocumented immigrants.
As stated in the 2017 order, “Law enforcement officers do not have the authority to take police action simply because the person is an undocumented foreigner.”
On June 11, James’ office sent a letter requesting documents from the Oswego County Sheriff’s Office, which has faced scrutiny following ICE activities in the area. Sources familiar with the investigation have suggested that other counties may soon be targets as well.
A similar letter was dispatched to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office earlier this year regarding its alleged involvement in enforcing federal immigration laws.
Congresswoman Elise Stefanik recently criticized James during a heated committee hearing, arguing that the AG’s actions represent a “war on law enforcement” in New York.
Stefanik claimed that “Kathy Hochul and Tish James’ New York is the first illegal, while New Yorkers are left to suffer.” She also suggested these actions are part of a broader stance against Governor Hochul and the Democrats in the state.
In her remarks, Stefanik pointed out the recent violent crimes affecting New Yorkers, criticizing Hochul’s perceived lack of awareness on the issue. She concluded by stating that President Trump, federal law enforcement, and local sheriffs are fulfilling their constitutional duties to maintain order in the community.
