Nassau County, New York – County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced Wednesday that Nassau County has formally ended its 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The decision brings the county into compliance with a state law signed by Governor Kathy Hochul in May that prohibits local law‑enforcement agencies from entering into immigration‑enforcement partnerships.
Termination of the 287(g) Agreement
Blakeman displayed letters addressed to ICE that officially terminate the cooperation agreement. He said the county will no longer allow locally funded police officers to be deputized for immigration enforcement, as required by the new legislation.
Executive’s Personal View
While the executive emphasized his respect for the rule of law, he also made clear his disagreement with the statute. “I believe in the rule of law, even when it is a bad law and this is a very bad and dangerous law,” Blakeman said, describing the measure as “terrible” and “bad.” He added, “This is one of the saddest days of my life as county executive, because of this terrible and bad law we have to adhere to, I know it is going to make it more dangerous in Nassau County.”
State Law Context
Governor Hochul’s “Local Cops Local Crimes Act” took effect on Tuesday, stating that local agencies may no longer assist ICE in what she called the “Trump administration’s aggressive immigration agenda.” The governor warned that any police department or sheriff’s office that fails to comply could face legal action.
Continuing Cooperation Within Legal Limits
Blakeman indicated that Nassau County will continue to work with ICE on matters that do not conflict with the new law. “We will continue to work with ICE, but we will abide by the technicalities of the law,” he said.
Legal Challenge
The county executive also noted that he has met with sheriffs from other New York counties who have filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the state law. He is directing the acting sheriff, through the county attorney, to join that litigation.
Impact on Local Communities
Local leaders and residents expressed concern that the loss of the 287(g) partnership could affect public safety. Critics argue that the law limits law‑enforcement’s ability to address illegal activity, while supporters contend it protects immigrant families from aggressive federal raids.
The termination marks a significant shift in Nassau County’s immigration‑enforcement posture and underscores the ongoing tension between state legislation and local law‑enforcement practices.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
