Asian American Federation Applauds Legislation to Protect New Yorkers from ICE, Calls for Passage of New York for All

Legislation introduced today by Governor Hochul will eliminate agreements between ICE and local law enforcement to carry out federal civil immigration enforcement.

New York, NY — In the past year, we have witnessed the murders of Renée Good and Alex Pretti, the deaths of at least 36 immigrants like Chaofeng Ge and Parady La in ICE custody, and the kidnapping, separation, and deportation of children like 6-year-old Yuanxin Zheng here in Queens. In New York, raids have disrupted the lives of millions and arrests of Chinese and Bangladeshi immigrants increased 1000% in 2025. These targeted, racist attacks on immigrants and their loved ones must end. 

Today, Governor Kathy Hochul announced a bill that will ban partnerships between ICE and local law enforcement, prevent ICE from using local detention facilities for their raids, and stop ICE from entering homes, schools, daycare centers, hospitals, and places of worship without a warrant.  

We welcome this legislation as a step towards rebuilding trust that has been shattered by ICE’s overreach and violence. Too many of our neighbors can’t get to work or send their children to school or seek care at hospitals. Our communities must be able to live without the fear that law enforcement will terrorize us and tear us away from our families.

Because immigrants are New York. We have built this state, we make up its rich cultural heritage, we have come from all over the world to forge better lives here. This is our home, and New Yorkers want ICE out. 

Now is the time for Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature, led by Speaker Carl Heastie and Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, to swiftly pass the comprehensive New York for All Act. We call on our leaders to act and defend our communities now.