New York Created An Official Government Bureau To Police Sheriffs, Not Criminals

Read this sentence slowly because it sounds almost too absurd to believe: New York has created an official government bureau with the authority to investigate, subpoena, and sue local governments that cooperate with ICE. Not illegals. Not drug cartels. Not human traffickers. Not violent gangs. But Sheriffs. If you were wondering just how committed Albany is to shielding illegal immigration from federal enforcement, you just got your answer.

The official government bureau created by Kathy Hochul and Letitia James is called the Office of Immigrant Trust (OIT). It was formed back in May of this year. Its purpose is charged with enforcing New York’s restrictions on local cooperation with ICE.

Attorney General James and Governor Hochul Announce First Enforcement Action by New Office of Immigrant Trust to Ensure Compliance with the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act

OAG Notifies 12 Law Enforcement Agencies of Legal Responsibility to End 287(g) Agreements by August 25

New OAG Bureau Will Enforce State Civil Laws Protecting Immigrant Communities and Limiting State and Local Collaboration with Federal Immigration Enforcement
July 24, 2026

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James and Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the new Office of Immigrant Trust (OIT), a first-of-its-kind statewide bureau within the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), sent letters to the 12 local law enforcement agencies in New York that currently have 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), informing them that state law requires they unwind the agreements by August 25, 2026. Created as part of a legislative package championed and signed by Governor Hochul on May 27, 2026, OIT is dedicated to enforcing New York laws that protect immigrant communities, strengthen public trust, and limit the use of state and local resources for federal civil immigration enforcement. As part of its duties, OIT will receive complaints, provide guidance to state and local agencies, conduct investigations, and take legal action when necessary to ensure compliance with state law. – Wellsville Sun