Ex-Dem NY governor gives Hochul history lesson on her anti-ICE sanctuary law: 'Egregious mistake'

Democrats passed a broad set of bills that restrict cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The laws limit police partnerships with federal immigration authorities and bar ICE agents from many public places, including hospitals and parks. The package also prevents ICE agents from wearing masks. It seeks to undo 287-g cooperation agreements that local governments used to hold detainees for ICE, including agreements in Nassau County. The state bill also bans informal cooperation, such as a local officer contacting ICE when an undocumented person is believed to be in custody. Former Governor David Paterson criticized the approach, warning it could impair local government operations and increase legal and financial risks.

"Paterson accused Hochul and Albany lawmakers of "really impairing" local governments' ability to cooperate with federal agencies, possibly increasing the chance of federal raids and opening up the state to lawsuits with taxpayers on the hook for the tab."

"The sprawling legislative package not only handcuffs cops from partnering with federal immigration authorities, but also bars ICE agents from most public places like hospitals and parks, and prevents them from wearing masks."

"It also seeks to undo "287-g" cooperation deals that local governments struck up with federal officials to hold detainees for ICE. This would include Nassau County, where Hochul's rival GOP gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman is now serving as county executive."

"The state bill passed last week bans those agreements and goes a step further - prohibiting all "informal cooperation," such as a local cop calling ICE if they believe they have an undocumented migrant in custody."

Read at New York Post