New York Governor Kathy Hochul will sign a battery of laws this Friday to protect the immigrant community and curb the “flagrant abuse of power” by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency in the state. The legislation will limit agent interventions in “sensitive places” such as schools, churches, courthouses, and community centers.
The new legislation establishes that ICE agents can only enter these locations if they have a valid judicial arrest warrant. Otherwise, their access is prohibited. The measure seeks to prevent surprise detentions in spaces where the most vulnerable population gathers daily.
“We will not allow this abuse of power to continue in our streets and communities,” Hochul stated at an event with religious leaders, activists from the organization Make the Road NY, and families of immigrants affected by detentions and deportations. The event was broadcast by local and national media.
What are “sensitive places”?
The legislation defines “sensitive places” as spaces where the population gathers safely and communally. These include schools, churches, courthouses, and community centers. The goal is to protect children, families, and people seeking education, legal assistance, or spiritual support without fear of sudden detentions.
Before this law, ICE agents could enter these spaces without clear restrictions. Now, access is limited to cases with a judicial arrest warrant. This significantly reduces the risk of surprise raids in places where the Latino community typically goes to seek help.
Hochul denounced that ICE officials resort to covered faces without technical justification, unlike federal agencies such as the FBI or the DEA. According to her, the goal is to “intimidate and threaten the population.” The law also completely prohibits the use of masks or balaclavas by agents in the state.
What other changes are included in New York’s package of laws?
The legal package prohibits the use of masks or balaclavas by any law enforcement officer in the state. This measure seeks to prevent intimidation and ensure that citizens can identify those who wield authority. The governor emphasized that transparency is key to public trust.
