Federal judge rules against NYS mask ban for ICE agents
The ruling, issued Monday, stems from a Justice Department request to stop New York from enforcing its new rules included in Gov. Kathy Hochul's budget.
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A federal judge has blocked New York state from enforcing its law banning federal immigration agents from wearing masks, but upheld the state's authority to prohibit local police departments, including Nassau County's, from participating in federal immigration enforcement programs.
The ruling, issued Monday, stems from a Justice Department request to stop New York from enforcing its new rules included in Gov. Kathy Hochul's budget.
In July, Hochul and New York Attorney General Letitia James sent letters to 12 local law enforcement agencies across the state, telling them that New York law requires them to terminate their 287(g) agreements by Aug. 25.
The 287(g) agreement is a partnership between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and local or state law enforcement agencies that allows designated officers to carry out certain federal immigration enforcement duties under federal supervision.
Following the ruling, James and Hochul released a joint statement:
"As we have said from the start, New York's ban on 287(g) agreements is legal and will keep our communities safe. Local law enforcement should be focused on local matters, and New York taxpayers should not have to foot the bill for any collaboration with ICE.
While the court enjoined enforcement of New York's mask ban, we stand firm in our belief that masked agents do not make New York safer, and our offices are reviewing all legal options at this time."
News 12 reached out to Nassau County for comment but has not heard back.
