New York bans masked law enforcement under Hochul immigration package aimed at curbing ICE tactics in state | amNewYork

The fiscal year 2027 enacted budget includes measures preventing state and local agencies from using public resources for civil immigration enforcement. Local governments are barred from entering agreements that deputize police or corrections officers to perform federal immigration work. Immigration authorities face limits on access to schools, hospitals, houses of worship, and other sensitive locations without a judicial warrant. A state-law mechanism allows New Yorkers to sue federal, state, and local officials for alleged constitutional violations. The legislation also prohibits state, local, and federal law enforcement from wearing masks while interacting with the public, with exceptions for necessary tactical equipment, sunglasses, and medical masks. Willful violations are treated as an infraction, with later willful violations becoming a misdemeanor, and enforcement is expected through the state attorney general and potential court injunctions.

"The measures, included in the state's fiscal year 2027 enacted budget, prohibit state and local agencies from using public resources for civil immigration enforcement; block local governments from entering into agreements that deputize police and corrections officers to carry out federal immigration work; and limit immigration authorities' access to schools, hospitals, houses of worship and other sensitive locations without a judicial warrant. The package also creates a state-law mechanism allowing New Yorkers to sue federal, state, and local officials for alleged constitutional violations."

"We don't need law enforcement wearing masks, Hochul said. We don't need any of our law enforcement wearing masks. We don't need our local police wearing masks. We don't expect our state police to wear a mask, and you will not see that. What the mask ban means The mask ban applies to state, local, and federal law enforcement officers while they are interacting with the public."

"The law includes exceptions for necessary tactical equipment, sunglasses and medical masks. Willful violations would be an infraction, while subsequent willful violations would be a misdemeanor, according to the governor's office. Hochul said the state was banning masks because they had been used as a technique of intimidation. Asked by reporters how the state would enforce the law against federal officers, Hochul said enforcement would fall to the state attorney general's office."

"An administration official said courts could issue injunctions requiring compliance, with further consequences if such orders were ignored. Hochul acknowledged the state expects litigation, but said officials believe the law was written broadly enough to withstand a challenge because it applies to state, local, and federal law enforcement, rather than singling out ICE agents."

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