New York governor will push for state lawsuits against ICE agents [View all]

NEW YORK — Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday endorsed legislation that would allow New York residents to sue Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in state court for civil rights violations, an escalation of efforts by Democratic-led states to rein in the agency following a woman’s fatal shooting in Minneapolis last week.

During her annual State of the State address in Albany, Hochul (D) said “protecting New Yorkers” was her top priority and that now includes “standing up to ICE agents who abuse their power.”

“Power does not justify abuse,” Hochul said. “And if someone’s constitutional rights are violated here in the state of New York, I say they deserve their day in court.”

Hochul’s support for related proposals in the legislature comes as Democratic governors and lawmakers from around the country are seeking ways to try to blunt what they consider overly aggressive federal immigration tactics under President Donald Trump.

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