Albany Agenda
Policy
Hochul remains firm on immigrant protections after meeting with Trump’s border czar
Gov. Kathy Hochul and Trump’s border czar Tom Homan met in Albany following the death of a nearly blind Burmese refugee in Buffalo.
New York City
Politics
Who is Rafael Rubio, the NYC Council staffer still being held by ICE?
The City Council employee detained in January has shown how vulnerable New York City’s immigrants can be – even those with documentation and powerful allies.
Heard Around Town
Personality
Dan Goldman is bringing a Lutheran pastor to the State of the Union
Immigration activist Fr. Fabian Arias plans to attend Trump’s speech. Other New York leaders are also sending messages with their guests.
News & Politics
Politics
Former Assembly member plans to primary Rep. Laura Gillen over ICE funding vote
Taylor Darling says she’s running against the Long Island congressional representative, who’s one of the most vulnerable Democrats in the country.
Immigration
Policy
Hochul’s immigration bill is timed just to Trump. Should it go further?
Lawmakers at Caucus Weekend discussed extending and expanding a proposal to limit cooperation with ICE.
Opinion
Opinion
Opinion: Only the New York for All Act can end local officials’ collaboration with ICE
The governor’s recently proposed ban on 287(g) agreements is a meaningful first step but would still allow for informal collusion with federal immigration authorities.
Immigration
Policy
Lawmakers, Hochul negotiating proposal to sue federal officials
State and city officials and criminal justice groups are urging the gov to keep qualified immunity out of the final policy.
Immigration
Politics
The state Democratic Party will formally condemn ICE at its convention
Members of the state Democratic Committee will vote on a resolution calling for restructuring, though not fully abolishing, federal immigration enforcement.
New York State
Politics
Hochul campaign quickly weaponizes immigrant announcement against Blakeman
Within hours of proposing a ban on local agreements with federal immigration officials, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s campaign was using it to attack her likely Republican opponent’s’s support of ICE
New York State
Policy
Hochul proposes banning local cooperation with ICE
In a shift, Gov. Kathy Hochul has thrown her support behind ending 287(g) agreements, a key component of existing legislation immigrant advocates are pushing for
Heard Around Town
Politics
NYC Council Dems push Schumer to block ICE funding
Council Members don’t want any money for immigration enforcement agencies, while the Senate Minority Leader is looking for a deal including reforms.
Immigration
Policy
'Sooner rather than later:' Stewart-Cousins is ready to pass immigrant protections
After expressing support for a prominent bill to expand sanctuary policies, state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins seems to be putting weight behind her words
Campaigns & Elections
Politics
Alex Bores vs. AI in NY-12
The Assembly member and congressional candidate says he’s ready to battle AI Goliaths. He’s getting plenty of practice already.
Immigration
Politics
Micah in Minneapolis
Manhattan Assembly member and congressional candidate Micah Lasher managed to fly out Sunday despite the blizzard to join protesters in the Twin Cities.
2026 congressional midterm elections
Politics
Alex Bores’ work at Palantir complicates his anti-ICE stance
The Manhattan congressional candidate’s controversial former employer has come under growing scrutiny in the second Trump administration. But that scrutiny started well before Bores left the company.
Policy
Policy
Rather than prohibit local cooperation with ICE, Hochul targets state grants to curb it
Gov. Kathy Hochul created some confusion when she declared state resources would no longer go towards civil ICE raids, since state agencies already can’t work with immigration officials.
Policy
Policy
Hochul still not on board with New York for All
While the state Senate majority leader and a number of congressional representatives have joined a growing chorus calling for the new immigration protections, the governor hasn’t come around.
New York City
Politics
NYC Council staffer detained by ICE
At an emergency press conference, Speaker Julie Menin said she was determined to secure his release, but Rep. Dan Goldman sounded more pessimistic.
Immigration
Politics
The day after ICE shooting in Minneapolis, Kristi Noem comes to NYC
The homeland security secretary said even New York City’s bail and sanctuary laws couldn’t prevent the arrest of 54 alleged gang members.
Opinion
Opinion