Governor Hochul Stands Firm Against Trump Administration Attacks on New York’s Critical Public Safety and Transparency Laws

Governor Hochul and Attorney General James are asking the court to declare that the Trump Administration's efforts to prevent enforcement of the state's new immigration protections violate the Tenth Amendment. They are also asking the court to block the administration from taking any action to prevent enforcement of the laws.

New York Attorney General Letitia James said, "New York has the sovereign right to pass laws that protect public safety and transparency for all New Yorkers. Law enforcement officers operating in our communities should be clearly identifiable, and local resources should be used to address local public safety needs. My office will defend these commonsense protections and New York's authority to enforce them."

New York Immigration Coalition President and CEO Murad Awawdeh said, "There is no New York without immigrant communities, and New York State took decisive steps to protect our communities from ICE terror and to defend our collective rights. The new State laws are particularly vital at a time when the Trump Administration is using violent and unlawful tactics in New York and across the country to create fear in our communities. The Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees New York State's self-determination, which cannot be undermined by the Trump administration's bullying tactics or threats. It is imperative that the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York upholds the right of New York State to enact its own laws to govern New Yorkers, and sides with its lawful efforts to protect every single New Yorker who calls our state home."

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said, "As District Attorney, I know that effective public safety depends on strong partnerships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Local law enforcement must remain focused on addressing local public safety concerns and strengthening relationships within their communities, rather than serving as contractors for other agencies. When residents trust that law enforcement is acting fairly and with transparency, they are more likely to report crimes, cooperate with investigations and help keep their neighborhoods safe. Thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James for their focus on maintaining that trust to help us effectuate public safety."