Tom Homan's Ice Surge Threat Isn't Stopping Sanctuary Bills In New York

ALBANY, New York — White House border czar Tom Homan's threat of an ICE surge into New York if a package of sanctuary measures are approved isn't deterring Democratic state lawmakers.

"If anything, it makes me want to double down," Democratic state Sen. Pat Fahy said.

Gov. Kathy Hochul and state lawmakers are close to an agreement on a series of bills that would limit how federal immigration agencies like ICE can coordinate with local police departments. They also plan to limit where civil deportation warrants can be executed, blocking them from being carried out in locations like educational facilities and houses of worship.

The proposals, which are expected to be included in a final budget agreement, are broadly meant to place legal barriers around President Donald Trump's expansive deportation efforts.

Homan said at a border security conference Tuesday that if those measures pass, the federal government will send in more ICE agents.

"What’s going to happen with places like New York and [if] people pass ridiculous legislation not to work with us, we’re going to flood the zone,” Homan said. “You’re going to see more ICE agents than you’ve ever seen before. So, congratulations.”

New York officials have desperately wanted to avoid a Minneapolis-style deportation operation after unrest earlier this year led to the deaths of two U.S. citizens. But Homan's declaration hasn't derailed the expected passage of the measures.

"We have to show that when you have people who are out on the streets like a reign of terror, armed masked agents wreaking havoc, we have to show it will not be tolerated," Fahy said.

Hochul was previously told by Trump that New York would only see a surge of federal immigration agents if she asked for it. The governor told reporters Tuesday in Albany that she would not seek any expansion of ICE's operations in the state.

"One of the reasons why we've been so focused on immigration and curtailing the abuses of ICE is because of what Tom Homan and DHS have been doing all across the country," said state Sen. Andrew Gounardes. "Whether it's a bluff or not we're not going to stand for it."

Repbulican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the GOP candidate for governor, said Wednesday at a Capitol news conference that his efforts to cooperate with ICE have improved safety.

"Working with ICE, rather than against ICE, has made the state safer," he said. "We don't have the issues that they had in Minneapolis."