Congresswoman Claudia Tenney is pushing back against a provision included in New York’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget that prohibits local law enforcement agencies from entering into cooperation agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Tenney announced this week that she has sent a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul urging her to reconsider the measure, which was included in the state budget signed into law this week.
The provision bars local police departments and sheriff’s offices from participating in ICE’s 287(g) program. The federal program allows local law enforcement agencies to work with ICE in identifying, detaining and processing individuals suspected of being in the country illegally.
In her letter, Tenney argued that cooperation between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies is critical to maintaining public safety and said the prohibition limits the resources available to local authorities.
The 24th District Republican also contended that the ban further strengthens what she described as New York’s sanctuary state policies.
“Cooperation among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies is essential to keeping New Yorkers safe,” Tenney said in a statement. “By prohibiting local law enforcement from participating in the 287(g) program, Albany is preventing sheriffs and local agencies from utilizing federal resources that are necessary to protect their communities.”
Tenney added that New Yorkers deserve policies that prioritize public safety and support law enforcement efforts.
The governor’s office had not publicly responded to Tenney’s letter as of Friday.
