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New York Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed a new measure that would ban law enforcement officers from wearing face masks while interacting with the public. The proposal, announced during a press conference on Thursday (April 16) in Albany, aims to protect New Yorkers, regardless of their immigration status, amid what Hochul describes as "aggressive" federal immigration enforcement.
The measure is part of a broader initiative to expand protections for New Yorkers and hold federal immigration officials accountable. According to Long Island Life & Politics, the proposal would prohibit state, local, and federal officers from wearing face coverings, excluding tactical gear, sunglasses, or medical masks. Violating this statute could result in a misdemeanor charge.
Governor Hochul's plan also seeks to limit coordination between state and local law enforcement and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for non-criminal violations. The proposal would prevent local governments and law enforcement from entering agreements with the federal government for civil immigration enforcement purposes. Additionally, local governments would be barred from funding or supporting immigration detention facilities without public input.
The legislation would allow New Yorkers to sue federal, state, and local officers for constitutional rights violations. It would also prohibit the use of state and local resources for immigration enforcement activities unless required by a federal judicial warrant.
AMNY reports that the proposal includes measures to protect sensitive locations like schools and hospitals, ensuring immigrant students' right to education regardless of their immigration status. Hochul emphasized that the state will not tolerate ICE's "flagrant abuse of power" and is committed to keeping New Yorkers safe.
The proposal has sparked debate, with some officials supporting the measures as a way to protect communities, while others, like the Department of Homeland Security, oppose the plan, arguing that partnerships with local law enforcement are essential for public safety.
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