New York Governor Kathy Hochul recently signed a sweeping package of legislation aimed at strengthening protections for immigrants, marking one of the most significant state-level responses to federal immigration enforcement efforts under the Trump administration.
The new laws include a prohibition on law enforcement officers wearing masks while carrying out official duties, a statewide ban preventing local police departments from enforcing civil immigration laws, and expanded legal safeguards for immigrant communities.
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Among the measures signed into law is legislation restricting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from entering designated “sensitive locations,” including schools, churches, and polling places. Another provision grants individuals the right to pursue legal action against ICE for alleged constitutional rights violations.
“On behalf of the people of the State of New York, this is our time to act,” Hochul declared during a signing ceremony in New York City. “It’s time to show the nation and Washington who we are.”
The Democratic governor was joined by immigration advocates, religious leaders, immigrants, and families who officials said had been impacted by immigration enforcement actions.
The legislative package comes amid escalating tensions between Democratic governors in the Northeast and the Trump administration over immigration policy and enforcement practices.
Hochul’s actions coincide with growing disputes involving New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, who has also faced criticism from federal officials over her opposition to immigration enforcement operations in her state.
The conflict has intensified around the Delaney Hall ICE detention facility in Newark, New Jersey, where detainees have reportedly engaged in a weeklong hunger and labor strike to protest detention conditions and seek their release. Demonstrations outside the facility have also sparked confrontations between protesters and federal immigration officers.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has repeatedly criticized Sherrill, accusing her of supporting “sanctuary” policies and alleging that her administration has not adequately cooperated with federal authorities during protests surrounding the detention center.
Mullin has also threatened to withdraw Customs and Border Protection personnel assigned to process international travelers at Newark Liberty International Airport and other jurisdictions he considers uncooperative with federal immigration enforcement efforts.
In response, Sherrill has renewed calls for the closure of Delaney Hall, a privately operated detention facility. She revealed that state health officials attempted to conduct a full inspection of the center on Thursday but were reportedly granted access to only a limited portion of the complex.
According to Sean Higgins, a spokesperson for the governor, Sherrill and her administration remain in close communication with New Jersey’s congressional delegation, attorney general, and state law enforcement officials regarding both public safety concerns and conditions inside the facility.
“We will continue to pursue all appropriate avenues for demanding transparency and ensuring humane conditions for the individuals being held at the facility,” Higgins said.
Federal authorities reported that nearly 20 individuals were arrested during demonstrations outside Delaney Hall this week, including nine arrests on Thursday evening. Immigration advocates and relatives of detainees have alleged that guards used force, including beatings and tear gas, against striking detainees inside the facility.
Additional demonstrations are expected outside the detention center throughout the weekend, with both immigration rights advocates and supporters of federal immigration enforcement planning to gather.
