Madison Benoit ‘29

by Madison Benoit ‘29 on February 5, 2026

As the country reacts to the recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement related shootings in Minneapolis, MN, many states have begun to make changes to restrict ICE activities. In Massachusetts, Governor Maura Healey announced new regulations and has made several legislative proposals. One of these proposals  includes an executive order that would stop the state from entering a new cooperation agreement with ICE. The same order also prevents federal agents from making civil arrests in non-public areas of state-owned buildings. Governor Healy has also filed legislation that would prevent ICE agents from entering protected areas, including schools, hospitals, courthouses, and places of worship. These actions are intended to prevent ICE from trampling the rights of Americans and committing unlawful actions.

In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul has shown support for banning formal cooperation agreements with ICE. This is especially notable in New York, as the state currently has 11 municipalities that have cooperation agreements with the agency. Hochul has emphasized that there is no need for New York police officers to assist with civil immigration enforcement. She was supported at the conference by Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, the Police Chief of Albany, Brendan Cox, and four of the five New York City district Attorneys.

The Department of Homeland Security has reacted to this policy with Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stating, “Our partnerships with state and local law enforcement are key to removing criminal illegal aliens including murderers, rapists, pedophiles, gang members, and terrorists from American communities.” Hochul has directly stated that the new legislation proposal is a result of the murders of Reneé Good and Alex Pretti, who were both shot by ICE officers in Minneapolis. 

Similar moves to ban cooperation agreements have been taken up in several other states, including Maryland, Illinois, New Jersey, and others. What exactly does this mean?

The cooperation agreements are known as a 287(g). Generally, this means that local law enforcement officials will check the immigration status of individuals they have already taken into custody. This is done by deputized local officers who will not only check their immigration status, but also have the power to begin the removal process by recommending either voluntary departure or a formal hearing. A voluntary removal would prevent the 5–10-year ban from entering the U.S. again. Although the 287(g) can vary, this is the most common agreement type. By banning these agreements, states are looking to limit the power of ICE while maintaining a strong separation between ICE and their local law enforcement.