Rensselaer County and Broome County officials, as well as a collective group of 15 New York sheriffs announced Tuesday that they will join a federal lawsuit to block New York's new law banning local law enforcement from entering 287(g) agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The law, known as the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act, took effect Tuesday and prohibits formal partnerships that allow local officers to perform certain immigration enforcement functions. It requires counties with existing agreements to unwind them.

Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin and Sheriff Kyle Bourgault stated their county will participate in the suit to protect its agreement in place since 2018. The program has allowed deputies to screen jail inmates for immigration violations and has led to nine individuals being turned over to federal authorities.

Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar also confirmed plans to join the legal challenge. County leaders argue the agreements help identify criminal illegal immigrants and enhance public safety without diverting resources from local crimes.

Governor Kathy Hochul responded to the threatened lawsuits by saying, "Bring it on." The state attorney general's office has issued subpoenas to several counties, including Rensselaer and Broome, that have not confirmed plans to end their agreements.

The measure was signed into law in May as part of a broader package of immigration policies. It targets civil immigration enforcement while still allowing cooperation on criminal matters. Thirteen counties had active 287(g) agreements when the law passed.

Nassau County officials have expressed interest in the lawsuit but have not yet committed to joining. Several other sheriffs across the state are considering similar legal action.

The counties contend that the state law interferes with their ability to work with federal authorities on removing individuals who pose threats to communities. Local leaders have emphasized that participation in the program focuses on those already in custody for state crimes.