On May 21, 2026, New York state lawmakers approved a wide-ranging public protection and government operations bill that includes multiple immigration-related measures limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement while expanding protections for immigrants and undocumented students. The legislation, enacted as part of the state’s 2026-2027 fiscal year budget process, would restrict actions state and municipal employees can take in connection with federal immigration enforcement, establish new safeguards for schools and sensitive locations, and create a new immigrant trust office within the state attorney general’s office.
Democratic lawmakers stated the measures aim to strengthen civil rights protections amid growing concerns over federal immigration crackdowns and deportation policies under President Donald Trump’s administration. One provision, titled the “Sensitive Location Protection Act,” would impose restrictions on immigration enforcement activities at schools, hospitals, houses of worship, and public libraries. Another section prohibits public schools from denying children access to free education based on citizenship or immigration status.
The bill also limits how local governments and public employees may collaborate with federal immigration authorities. Supporters described the measures as essential for building trust between immigrant communities and local government while ensuring residents can access education, medical care, and public services without fear of deportation. The legislation further establishes an immigrant trust office within the New York Department of Law to provide legal guidance, monitor immigration policies, and coordinate outreach to immigrant communities statewide.
Republican lawmakers criticized the provisions, arguing they could undermine cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies. Opponents also warned that the measures might conflict with federal immigration efforts and expose local governments to legal challenges. State Senator Jake Ashby stated: “The absence of these common-sense public safety protections from today’s bill is a stark reminder of what New Yorkers lose when Democrats refuse to work with Republicans on some of the most important issues facing our state.” Assemblyman Garret Gandolfo added: “We’re moving backwards in terms of public safety. By handcuffing law enforcement and not giving them the tools they need to get violent individuals off the street, we are setting ourselves up for some real problems in the future.”
The immigration provisions were incorporated into a broader budget implementation bill covering public safety, ethics rules, insurance regulations, and criminal justice policies. The legislation also establishes new crimes related to 3D-printed ghost guns, imposes restrictions on state drone purchases, expands workers’ compensation fraud enforcement units, and enacts the “Local Cops, Local Crimes Act” and a state-level “Bivens Act” enabling certain lawsuits for constitutional violations. Additionally, it prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing masks or disguises during official public interactions, except in limited circumstances.
Governor Kathy Hochul is expected to sign the legislation as part of the final state budget package. Several immigration-related provisions will take effect immediately upon enactment, while others will be phased in over the coming months. Hochul stated: “This was important to do. It will make New York a leader in addressing ICE overreach while ensuring there is no sanctuary for criminals in this state. The process is this: I’ve named it ‘Local Cops, Local Crimes’ because I want our local police focused on solving and preventing local crimes. When they’re diverted into becoming ICE agents, literally doing their job with civil immigration enforcement, they’re not focused on what we need them to do.” She further added: “That said, I held back enormous pressure to also forbid local police from working in a criminal setting. But if there is a crime that has been committed, a court order, a warrant for someone’s arrest, evidence of a crime, I want our local police making sure we’re protecting members of the immigrant community and our community as well.”
