New York Lawmakers Push for Transparency on ICE Contracts

New York’s Democratic lawmakers are looking to prohibit companies from securing city and state contracts unless they reveal any dealings with ICE.

The initial proposal, led by Rep. Grace Lee (D-Manhattan), called for companies to submit copies of their contracts with immigration authorities. However, in response to backlash over an agreement allowing ICE agents to park at Pier 40 along the Hudson River, Lee modified the proposed ICE Contract Transparency Act. This revision includes strict penalties that could bar companies from government contracts if they don’t comply.

“For many New Yorkers, ICE has become synonymous with negative experiences,” Lee remarked.

“People deserve to know if any firms are working with ICE, especially those supporting policies of mass deportation and deteriorating immigration standards. Companies that don’t disclose such information should be disqualified from receiving taxpayer-funded contracts.”

This initiative is part of broader anti-ICE sentiments from New York Democrats, who are angered by the often severe actions taken by immigration officials during the Trump administration.

Numerous New Yorkers, including actress Susan Sarandon, participated in protests against ICE in Union Square earlier this year, demanding that the agency leave the city.

Mayor Zoran Mamdani, known for his interactions with President Trump, signed an executive order demonstrating support for sanctuary policies in New York City and urged the president to release ICE detainees.

State leaders also worked on legislation to designate New York as a sanctuary state, with Gov. Kathy Hochul expressing her reluctance for ICE’s presence to increase in the state.

Lee’s amendment came after protests about ICE vehicles being parked at Pier 40 and a notable enforcement operation in Chinatown. Demonstrators have urged the Hudson River Park Trust to cancel its agreement with the Department of Homeland Security regarding reserved parking for ICE enforcement vehicles.

This contract is set to expire in June and is unlikely to be renewed, but protesters are advocating for its abrupt end before then.

The penalties in Lee’s bill would prevent any companies concealing their work with ICE from obtaining contracts with city or state governments, including New York City.