New York state lawmakers voted Thursday to pass Governor Kathy Hochul’s (D) sweeping sanctuary state bill, enacting a broad ban on cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE.
The radical legislation imposes new restrictions on federal immigration authorities, including barring ICE agents from most public spaces—such as hospitals and parks—and ending 287(g) agreements, which are voluntary partnerships between local law enforcement and federal agents.
It also bans ICE agents from wearing masks, which would allow them to protect their lives and their families' safety.
The legislation creates an “Office of Immigrant Trust” under state Attorney General Letitia James (D), giving her the authority to enforce the law and to harass local governments that do not fall in line. James has a thoroughly documented history of malicious prosecution against anything that might reflect favorably on the current President.
In short, the legislative package does everything in its power to handcuff ICE agents, while allowing illegal aliens to continue invading the Empire State, endangering the lives and safety of not only law enforcement but also the lives of average, everyday New Yorkers.
Albany pols pass Hochul sanctuary state bill, other extreme anti-ICE measures https://t.co/n5qzGsOXWC pic.twitter.com/EY7tWWEPql
— New York Post (@nypost) May 21, 2026
READ MORE: Homan to Hochul — Block ICE and We’ll Swarm NY Streets
Albany Democrats and Governor Hochul celebrated their latest effort to turn New York into a full-blown sanctuary mecca that protects criminals over citizens. But not everyone is falling in line.
Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin, a no-nonsense upstate Republican who oftentimes emulates the President's defiance, immediately fired back with a warning—he will not comply.
"Let me absolutely guarantee this low IQ and dangerous [Governor Hochul] that [Rensselaer County] will once again ignore your stupidity just as we did with Cuomo constantly," he wrote on X.
Indeed, McLaughlin openly defied Cuomo, most notably standing alone as the only county executive in New York to refuse the then-Governor’s deadly nursing home executive order that forced COVID-positive patients into senior facilities.
Cuomo ended up sending thousands of seniors to their deaths through the order. McLaughlin saved countless lives.
"While you endanger New Yorkers, I will protect my residents," he continued, railing against Cuomo's successor. "We WILL continue to work with ICE, and we will continue to participate in the 287g program to protect our people."
McLaughlin dared Hochul to come after him, ever so gently telling her to "F off" and referring to her, accurately, I might add, as a "vapid puppet."
Let me absolutely guarantee this low IQ and dangerous @GovKathyHochul that #RensselaerCounty will once again ignore your stupidity just as we did with Cuomo constantly. While you endanger New Yorkers, I will protect my residents. We WILL continue to work with I.C.E and we will… https://t.co/u5nLPsfkMU
— Steve McLaughlin (@SteveMcNY) May 22, 2026
Let me absolutely guarantee this low IQ and dangerous @GovKathyHochul that #RensselaerCounty will once again ignore your stupidity just as we did with Cuomo constantly. While you endanger New Yorkers, I will protect my residents. We WILL continue to work with I.C.E and we will continue to participate in the 287g program to protect our people. As I said before, I dare you to confront me on this. Let me be even more succinct: F OFF you vapid puppet.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the Republican gubernatorial candidate running against Hochul, is also vowing to challenge the radical sanctuary-state bill in court.
Blakeman, a vocal critic of open-border policies, has already signaled he will continue Nassau’s strong partnership with federal immigration authorities and protect the county’s successful 287(g) program no matter what Albany tries to force.
“Kathy Hochul just sent a message to killers, rapists, and gang members around the world: come to New York!” Blakeman told The New York Post. “Her latest pro-criminal policy shields thugs from arrest while forcing more ICE agents onto our streets.”
McLaughlin and Blakeman represent a dwindling contingent of Republicans willing to fight back against extremist Democrats in the Empire State.
Editor’s Note: Democrat politicians and their radical supporters will do everything they can to interfere with and threaten ICE agents enforcing our immigration laws.
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