Tom Homan has issued a sharp warning to Kathy Hochul and Democratic lawmakers in New York, threatening a major increase in federal immigration enforcement if the state moves forward with new immigrant protection laws.
Homan, a native of upstate New York who currently serves as President Donald Trump’s border czar, said the federal government would dramatically expand the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents across the state in response to proposed legislation aimed at limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
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“We’re going to flood the zone,” Homan said during a border security conference in Phoenix. “You’re going to see more ICE agents than you’ve ever seen before.”
His comments came as Governor Hochul confirmed that lawmakers were nearing completion of a US$263 billion state budget package expected to include additional protections for immigrants. Among the measures reportedly under consideration are restrictions on 287(g) agreements, which allow local law enforcement agencies to partner directly with federal immigration authorities.
The proposed legislation would also reportedly prohibit local jails from detaining individuals solely for ICE and limit circumstances in which on-duty federal immigration agents can conceal their identities.
Immigrant advocacy groups and Democratic legislators argue that the measures would strengthen trust between immigrant communities and local police, allowing law enforcement to focus more effectively on public safety and crime prevention.
Governor Hochul responded to Homan’s remarks by reiterating that New York would continue cooperating with federal authorities in cases involving dangerous criminals. However, she pushed back against the threat of expanded federal enforcement operations.
“All I’ll say to Mr. Homan is that Donald Trump himself said he would not send a surge of ICE agents to the state of New York unless I ask,” Hochul said. “I’m not asking.”
The escalating dispute highlights growing tensions between the Trump administration and Democratic-led states over immigration enforcement policies. It also places renewed attention on sanctuary policies already in effect in parts of New York, including New York City and Buffalo.
The debate could have major implications for Long Island, particularly Nassau County, where county officials maintain one of the state’s most expansive 287(g) agreements. Hundreds of ICE detainees are reportedly being housed in the Nassau County Jail.
Bruce Blakeman, a Republican candidate for governor, strongly criticized the proposed restrictions and vowed to challenge them in federal court if enacted.
“I don’t think they have the right to do that,” Blakeman said regarding the proposed ban on 287(g) agreements. “It’s insane, just absolutely insane.”
As negotiations continue in Albany, lawmakers remain divided over how much cooperation between state and federal immigration authorities should be permitted under the final legislation.
