Republicans Blast New Immigration Law After Foiled Capitol Terrorist Plot

Under the new law, municipalities must terminate existing formal agreements with federal immigration authorities beginning Tuesday.

The measure has already triggered a legal confrontation between Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul and President Donald Trump’s administration, which is challenging the law.

While most law enforcement agencies have indicated they intend to comply, Republicans are warning that the restrictions could create confusion and weaken cooperation between federal and local authorities.

The issue is quickly becoming part of the GOP’s public safety message heading into a difficult midterm election.

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman, a Nassau County executive, has been particularly outspoken in defending his county’s partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement through the federal 287(g) program.

Blakeman pointed to the benefits of cooperation between different levels of law enforcement while responding to the alleged terrorist plot, using the case to reinforce his argument that New York should be strengthening such partnerships rather than restricting them.

“When local and federal law enforcement work together, terrorists are caught before they can hurt innocent Americans,” Blakeman said in a statement to City & State.

Blakeman has not said whether Nassau County will terminate its existing agreements with federal immigration authorities as required under the new state law while he campaigns against Hochul for governor.