Fifteen New York sheriffs sue to strike down the 287(g) ban hours after it takes effect
The Local Cops, Local Crimes Act ban on 287(g) agreements took effect Aug 25, 2026, and 15 county sheriffs filed suit the same day. Their claim: the law nullifies "the ability of independently elected constitutional officers to enter into contracts authorized by federal law." Hochul appeared flanked by police chiefs and said that prior to 2025 only Rensselaer County held a 287(g) agreement, and that 53 counties have never had one. Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin said his county will not comply and that its program is background checks, not raids: "We'll see you in court, governor." Spectrum reports Nassau County, run by Republican gubernatorial nominee Bruce Blakeman, will not comply. Orange County Sheriff Paul Arteta is among the plaintiffs even though the county terminated its ICE jail-detention contract. Neither the state announcement nor the reporting identified all 15 sheriffs, the court, or the full legal claims.