New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a sweeping immigration package designed to shield New Yorkers from what she called aggressive federal immigration enforcement, creating some of the strongest state-level protections in the nation.
The measures, included in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, seek to limit cooperation between local agencies and ICE, strengthen constitutional protections and keep immigration enforcement away from schools, hospitals, shelters and other sensitive locations.
“Blatant abuses of power by ICE will not be tolerated in New York,” Hochul said while announcing the legislation.
Key protections in the new law
Local police focused on local crime
The legislation prohibits state and local law enforcement agencies from entering into 287(g) agreements or similar arrangements that allow local officers to perform federal civil immigration enforcement duties.
The law also:
- Bars local governments from helping fund immigration detention centers.
- Restricts zoning changes intended to facilitate detention facilities without public input.
- Keeps local resources focused on public safety rather than immigration enforcement.
Ban on masks for law enforcement
State, local and federal law enforcement officers will generally be prohibited from wearing face coverings while interacting with the public.
Exceptions include:
- Medical masks
- Tactical safety equipment
- Sunglasses
Intentional violations could result in penalties and misdemeanor charges for repeat offenses.
New legal accountability for federal agents
The legislation creates a state legal pathway allowing New Yorkers to sue federal officials for alleged violations of constitutional rights.
Supporters say the measure closes a legal gap that previously limited accountability for federal actors.
Expanded protections for students
The law strengthens protections for immigrant students by:
- Codifying the right to a free public education regardless of immigration status.
- Restricting collection and disclosure of immigration-status information.
- Prohibiting schools from transferring students into immigration custody without a court order.
ICE restricted from sensitive locations
The legislation prevents immigration authorities from accessing non-public areas of state and local facilities without a judicial warrant.
Protected locations include:
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Libraries
- Shelters
- Child care centers
- Community centers
- Student housing
- Public parks
- Polling locations
The law also empowers many private institutions, including houses of worship and hospitals, to deny access without a warrant.
Limits on public employee cooperation
Public employees and agencies will be prohibited from:
- Conducting civil immigration investigations.
- Sharing personal information with immigration authorities.
- Allowing access to restricted government spaces without legal authorization.
- Using immigration officers as interpreters.
What happens next?
The package positions New York among the states with the strongest legal barriers against federal civil immigration enforcement while preserving cooperation in criminal matters.
State officials say the goal is to protect constitutional rights, ensure access to education and public services and keep local resources focused on community safety.
You can more information in New York’s government official page.
