By MES Dispatch Staff
The Briefing
- New York sheriffs in border counties are expressing concerns and resistance to the “Local Cops, Local Crimes Act,” which prohibits state and local law enforcement from assisting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on civil immigration matters, effective August 14, 2026.
- The law, championed by Gov. Kathy Hochul and enacted as part of New York’s $277 billion budget in May, permits continued cooperation between local agencies and ICE only on criminal matters, not civil immigration enforcement.
- Attorney General Letitia James issued letters July 24 to 12 law enforcement agencies that had agreements with ICE, ordering compliance by August 14; Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood has publicly stated he will not comply with the law.
- Niagara County Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti stated he will comply with the law but intends to continue working with federal immigration partners and maintain longstanding relationships critical to border security.
- Cattaraugus County Sheriff Eric A. Butler expressed concerns that ending cooperation will increase likelihood of federal enforcement actions in neighborhoods rather than in controlled detention settings.
NIAGARA, N.Y. — New York sheriffs and law enforcement administrators in border counties are expressing resistance and concerns regarding implementation of the “Local Cops, Local Crimes Act,” effective August 14, which restricts cooperation between state and local agencies and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on civil immigration enforcement matters.
Niagara County Sheriff Michael J. Filicetti stated in an official statement that while his office will comply with the law, he does not support the restriction. Filicetti emphasized that he intends to continue working closely with federal immigration partners and will maintain the office’s longstanding relationships with federal law enforcement authorities critical to public safety and homeland security.
Filicetti noted that Niagara County, located near the international border, faces unique public safety and homeland security challenges requiring coordination with federal agencies. Filicetti stated that relationships built over decades have contributed significantly to community safety and security.
Filicetti also stated that his office will continue to honor lawful immigration detainers, notify federal law enforcement before inmate release, and maintain partnerships with federal immigration authorities for public safety purposes, provided such actions do not violate state law.
The law was enacted as part of New York’s $277 billion biennial budget approved by Gov. Kathy Hochul in May. The law permits continued cooperation between local agencies and ICE on criminal matters but prohibits assistance with civil immigration enforcement. A dozen New York law enforcement agencies, including sheriff’s departments in Niagara and Cattaraugus counties and the Allegany Village Police Department, had previously allowed their officers and resources, including jail space, to be made available to ICE under a 1996 federal statute.
Cattaraugus County Sheriff Eric A. Butler expressed opposition to the law and stated he is exploring legal options. Butler stated that partnership arrangements with federal agencies allow safe and responsible transfers of individuals detained for immigration violations within secure correctional settings.
Butler warned of potential consequences resulting from termination of federal agreements. Butler stated that ending cooperation partnerships increases the likelihood that enforcement actions will occur in communities rather than in controlled correctional environments, creating unnecessary risks for law enforcement officers and the public.
Attorney General Letitia James issued letters on July 24 to the 12 agencies that maintain or maintained agreements with ICE, directing compliance with the new law by August 14.
Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood, the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor running alongside Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the GOP candidate for governor, has publicly stated he will not comply with the law.
In a statement regarding the law, James spokesperson Jen Goodman stated that counties must comply with state law and that non-compliant agencies will face accountability. Goodman stated the law does not prevent law enforcement from working with ICE and federal agencies to apprehend or detain dangerous criminals.
Filicetti invoked the September 11 attacks in support of his position regarding federal cooperation. Filicetti stated that one of the most important lessons from the tragedy was that communication and cooperation between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies are essential to homeland protection.
Hochul’s support for the law followed two fatal ICE and Customs and Border Protection shootings occurring in Minneapolis. On January 7, an ICE agent shot Renee Nicole Good, 37. On January 24, CBP agents shot Alex Pretti, 37. Additionally, on February 19, CBP agents released Nurul Amin Shah Alam, 56, from the Erie County Holding Center. Alam was reportedly dropped in arctic temperatures outside a closed business and was found dead five days later.
The U.S. Department of Justice is challenging portions of the state budget that prohibit law enforcement agencies from wearing masks during public interactions. James stated that litigation is pending in U.S. District Court, and she is awaiting a declaratory judgment to support the law.