Not exactly—but it builds on earlier sanctuary-type protections.

There is no single legal definition of a “sanctuary state.” In general, “sanctuary” policies are:

• Laws that ensure local resources are used to serve communities—not to carry out federal immigration enforcement
• Rules that limit when local agencies can participate in immigration enforcement
• Protections so that everyone—regardless of immigration status—can safely access public services

These laws expand those protections, but: 

• They do not completely prohibit cooperation with ICE 
• They do not stop federal immigration enforcement 

Yes.

Federal immigration authorities can still:

• Arrest and detain people
• Conduct enforcement operations
• Carry out deportations

This law mainly limits what state and local agencies can do. It does not limit federal action.

Mostly no.

• Local police cannot enter into formal agreements (like “287(g) agreements”) to act as immigration officers.
• Local police also cannot enter into “informal” arrangements. This means ongoing practices or coordinated efforts to assist immigration enforcement are also restricted.

However:

• Police may still cooperate with federal authorities in criminal cases

There are major new restrictions on detention in New York State.

• Local jails cannot enter into or continue contracts with ICE to hold people for immigration detention
• Existing ICE detention agreements must be phased out by late 2026.
• Local governments also cannot:
  • Provide funding or incentives for immigration detention facilities
  • Support the construction or expansion of such facilities

• ICE can still ask jails to hold someone (these are called “detainer requests”)
• ICE can still detain someone and send them to other facilities outside of New York State
• But the law limits when this can happen
• A judicial warrant is often required

There are strong new restrictions on information sharing. In general, state and local government employees:

• Cannot use public resources or time for immigration enforcement
• Cannot share personal identifying information for immigration purposes in most cases
• Cannot grant ICE access to non-public areas of government property

Important:
Many of these rules apply especially to non-law enforcement government workers, like staff in social services or administrative agencies.

Sensitive locations are places where people should feel safe accessing essential services. They include:

• Schools and colleges
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Childcare centers
• Houses of worship
• Mental health facilities
• Family and social service providers
• Housing, parks, playgrounds, senior centers, and polling places

New York has adopted statewide protections to help safeguard these spaces.

• These locations can limit ICE access as much as the law allows.
• ICE generally cannot enter private areas (like offices, classrooms, or back rooms) without a judicial warrant signed by a judge.
• ICE administrative warrants are not enough to enter private spaces.

The law strengthens long-standing protections for students:

• Schools cannot deny enrollment based on immigration status
• Schools cannot request:
  • Immigration status
  • Social Security numbers
• Schools cannot share student or family information without a judicial warrant
• Schools cannot allow ICE to question or remove a student without a judicial warrant

Yes. The law creates a new right to sue government officials—including federal agents—for violating constitutional rights. People can bring claims for:

• Illegal searches
• Wrongful arrests
• Unlawful detention

A successful lawsuit could result in a court order and a money award (called ”damages”).

In general, yes—and this rule is enforceable by criminal law.

• Law enforcement officers (including federal agents) generally cannot hide their identity using masks or face coverings
• Officers must display identifying information, such as:
  • Name
  • Badge or shield number
  • Agency
• Violations can be charged as misdemeanors

Exceptions exist for:

• Health and safety reasons
• Undercover work
• Certain occupational or religious needs

* Note: The federal government recently sued to block this provision and related parts of the law, arguing that states cannot regulate federal officers and that the rule could put agents at risk. New York has filed its own lawsuit defending the law as necessary for accountability and public safety. Courts will decide whether and how this rule is enforced.

A new Office of Immigrant Trust within the New York Attorney General’s Office will:

• Investigate complaints about violations
• Bring civil enforcement actions
• Seek court orders to ensure compliance

These laws are designed to:

• Keep local resources focused on serving communities
• Strengthen trust in schools, hospitals, and public institutions
• Ensure accountability in law enforcement

They reflect a broader effort to make sure that local systems are not used in ways that can separate families or make communities less safe.

At the same time:

• Federal immigration enforcement still exists
• Some parts of the law may change depending on court rulings

The information in this document has been prepared by The Legal Aid Society for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. This information is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. You should not act upon any information without retaining professional legal counsel.