NEW YORK, New York – New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration in an effort to protect a newly enacted package of state laws aimed at increasing accountability and transparency in immigration enforcement.
Letitia JamesThe legal challenge comes after the federal government signaled its intention to challenge the measures, which are set to take effect on Friday.
One of the new laws prohibits local, state and federal law enforcement officers from concealing their identities while interacting with the public by wearing masks or face coverings. It also requires officers to clearly display identifying information, including their agency affiliation.
James said the legislation was designed to address growing concerns over the use of masked federal immigration agents during enforcement operations.
“By hiding their faces and refusing to wear identification, federal immigration officers endanger New Yorkers and intentionally evade accountability,” James said.
“Our communities should not have to live in fear of being disappeared by unidentified masked agents.”
Another measure, known as the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act, bars local governments and law enforcement agencies from entering into agreements that allow local officers to carry out federal immigration enforcement duties or detain individuals solely for civil immigration violations. The law also prohibits the use of public funds to support immigration detention facilities.
James said the legislation ensures that local police resources remain focused on community safety rather than federal immigration enforcement.
Gov. Kathy Hochul
The lawsuit follows warnings from the Trump administration that it would move to block the laws. James said federal officials formally notified New York last week of their intention to sue and seek emergency relief before the measures take effect.
White House Border Czar Tom Homan has also threatened to increase the number of federal immigration agents operating in New York in response to the state’s actions.
Hochul defended the legislation, saying it reflects New York’s commitment to transparency and public accountability.
“A badge carries with it a responsibility to uphold the public’s trust,” Hochul said. “New Yorkers deserve to know who is enforcing the law in their communities and to have confidence that local resources are being used to protect public safety, not advance the agenda of a rogue federal agency.”
State officials argue that New York has the constitutional authority under the Tenth Amendment to enact laws governing the use of state and local resources and to establish public safety standards for law enforcement operating within its borders.
The lawsuit asks the court to declare the laws constitutional and block the Trump administration from interfering with their implementation.
According to James, the measures were introduced in response to growing concerns over federal immigration enforcement tactics, including operations involving masked and unidentified agents that critics say undermine public trust and make it difficult to hold officers accountable.
State officials maintain that the legislation is intended to protect residents, strengthen transparency and preserve New York’s authority over local law enforcement priorities.
