Hochul Defends New Law Barring Police-ICE Cooperation

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul addressed a controversial new state law that bars local police agencies from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement, which took effect Tuesday. The law, part of New York's expanding sanctuary-state push, restricts how local law enforcement can share information or assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations. Critics, including Republican lawmakers and law-enforcement groups, warn the measure will hinder efforts to remove dangerous criminal illegal aliens and undermine public safety, arguing it puts politics ahead of protecting citizens. Hochul's remarks come as blue states continue to clash with the federal government over immigration enforcement authority. The rollout is expected to intensify debate over sanctuary policies nationwide, with the Trump administration having repeatedly criticized such state-level restrictions as obstructing federal immigration law and endangering communities.