NEW YORK (AP) — New York’s governor is standing firm against warnings from President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement leader, who has vowed to significantly increase federal agents in the state if lawmakers approve restrictions on local cooperation with deportation efforts.
Governor Kathy Hochul made clear Thursday that intimidation tactics won’t change her course of action.
“I don’t take well to threats,” Hochul stated. “We’re going to pass what we think is important to protect New Yorkers.”
The confrontation highlights growing friction as Democratic leaders work to establish boundaries around the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement following what they describe as disorganized and aggressive deportation operations.
The pending legislation would prohibit state and local police from forming partnerships with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or serving in immigration enforcement roles. The measures would also require ICE agents to obtain court orders before entering protected areas like educational institutions and medical facilities.
Additional proposals from the Democratic governor include prohibiting law enforcement officers from covering their faces with masks during operations and establishing legal pathways for citizens to file lawsuits against ICE personnel.
After announcing Thursday that she had secured agreement from legislative leadership to incorporate the immigration measures into the state’s budget plan, Hochul emphasized her willingness to collaborate on serious criminal cases.
“This does not restrict our ability to help in criminal situations and I want people to understand that, but my God, it has gone too far,” she explained, adding that the state would “help you go after the hardened criminals, the violent, the worst of the worst.”
Border enforcement chief Tom Homan responded to the proposed restrictions during a Fox News appearance, promising substantial increases in federal personnel.
“Of course we’re going to increase manpower, a lot” if New York proceeds with the legislation, Homan declared.
“They can put up all the roadblocks they want, but we’re going to do this job,” he added.
The two officials previously met face-to-face at New York’s state Capitol earlier this year. While their discussion remained private, Hochul revealed Thursday that Homan had assured her “the era of the surges is over” during their conversation.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman opposed the governor’s initiative, arguing that his Long Island county’s partnership with ICE has effectively removed “bad people out of our community” while maintaining organized immigration enforcement procedures.
