Hochul challenger vows to follow ICE law while backing sheriffs’ suit
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced he will comply with New York's new law banning local law enforcement cooperation with ICE while joining a legal challenge against the measure.
The legislation prohibits local police departments from entering into or maintaining cooperation agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Nassau County was among nine New York jurisdictions that previously held such agreements, which enabled state law enforcement to detain illegal immigrants and coordinate immigration enforcement activities with federal officials, according to David Zimmermann writing in Washington Examiner.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s statewide prohibition on 287(g) cooperation agreements became effective Tuesday, compelling Blakeman to adhere to the new statute despite his strong objections.
Speaking at a Wednesday press conference, the Republican county executive expressed deep frustration with the policy change. This is one of the saddest days of my life as county executive, Blakeman stated, emphasizing his commitment to law and order while condemning what he characterized as dangerous legislation.
Blakeman explained his position centers on respect for the rule of law, even when he believes a statute is fundamentally flawed. However, he forcefully argued the measure serves political rather than public safety purposes.
Nassau County had initially planned to resist the new law but determined no legal avenue existed to circumvent compliance. Meanwhile, Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin, also a Republican, is maintaining his county’s ICE agreement while participating in litigation filed by 15 New York sheriffs challenging the statute.
The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office will join as the latest plaintiff in the legal challenge, Blakeman confirmed. Among those already suing the state is Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood, who serves as Blakeman’s running mate in the gubernatorial race. Their Republican ticket has received President Donald Trump’s endorsement.
Blakeman’s announcement followed New York Attorney General Letitia James issuing subpoenas to Nassau’s law enforcement agencies as the ban took effect Tuesday.
Hochul Defends Anti-ICE Policy
Hochul has defended her administration’s restrictions on immigration enforcement by citing fatal officer-involved shootings of civilians Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minnesota this year, characterizing such incidents as justification for limiting ICE operations in New York.
The Democratic governor launched a sharp attack on her Republican challenger, posting on social media that anyone who fails to recognize civilian deaths during ICE operations as atrocities has no business seeking higher office.
Hochul is seeking reelection to a second full term while defending her seat against Blakeman’s challenge. Recent polling from Siena University shows the incumbent leading by 10 points, though her advantage has narrowed significantly from a June survey that showed a 20-point margin.
With information from Washington Examiner
