Bill > S08539

This bill establishes the New York State ICE-Free Zones Act, which prohibits U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from conducting civil immigration enforcement activities on state or municipal property without a valid judicial warrant. The bill defines civil immigration enforcement activity as detention, arrest, questioning, processing, transportation, or surveillance related to civil removal proceedings. Within 30 days of the law's effective date, responsible officials must post designated signage at property entrances and accessible areas clearly stating that civil immigration enforcement is not allowed without a judicial warrant. The signage must specify that the property is publicly owned and that immigration enforcement officers cannot conduct activities without a proper warrant signed by a federal judge demonstrating probable cause. The bill also allows responsible officials to place physical barriers to restrict access to non-public areas, and it requires any official who becomes aware of a violation to notify the attorney general, who may investigate and seek recovery of investigation costs. Importantly, the law protects individuals on state or municipal property from questioning, detention, or arrest by immigration enforcement officers unless a valid judicial warrant is presented, and it explicitly states that it is intended to regulate the use of state and municipal property without interfering with federal agency conduct on federal territories.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8539