New York City is poised to significantly expand its sanctuary city policies after the City Council voted to override a veto blocking legislation that would prohibit federal immigration agents from operating inside city correctional facilities.
Socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani is expected to sign the Safer Sanctuary Act into law in the coming days.
The new law makes all 19 city-run correctional facilities, including Rikers Island, off-limits to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The bill was introduced last year by Democrat Astoria Councilmember Tiffany Cabán, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).
It passed the City Council in December but was vetoed on his final day in office by former Mayor Eric Adams.
On Thursday, the Council overrode that veto by a decisive 44–7 vote.
The legislation bars ICE agents from city jails and Department of Corrections facilities and further restricts city employees from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement efforts, including coordination with other federal agencies during immigration operations.
The move sets up a potential confrontation with the Trump administration and comes as New York Democrats push broader limits on federal law enforcement cooperation.
On Friday, Democrat Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled a separate state-level proposal aimed at severing certain agreements between local and federal law enforcement agencies.
Supporters of the Safer Sanctuary Act argue the measure is necessary to protect immigrant communities and prevent what they describe as aggressive federal enforcement tactics.
Critics counter that the law undermines cooperation with federal authorities and interferes with national immigration policy.
The bill was crafted with input from members of the Democratic Socialists of America and gained momentum following high-profile federal enforcement actions in New York City, including a multi-agency raid targeting unauthorized vendors and migrants on Canal Street.
Former Mayor Adams had attempted to reopen an ICE office at Rikers Island through an executive order earlier this year.
However, a Manhattan judge blocked the move in September.
The court found that Adams’ action appeared tied to political considerations after criminal charges against him were dropped.
Following Thursday’s override vote, DSA activists celebrated the outcome.
At a meeting that evening, a DSA leader identified only as Rachel described the legislation as a response to what she called the “weaponization” of ICE under President Donald Trump.
The law goes beyond ICE, barring city agencies from assisting any federal entity involved in immigration enforcement.
Supporters say this ensures city resources are not used in deportation efforts, while opponents warn it could hamper cooperation on public safety and criminal investigations.
New York City has long identified itself as a sanctuary jurisdiction, but the Safer Sanctuary Act represents one of its most sweeping restrictions on federal cooperation to date.
With Mamdani expected to sign the bill, the city is bracing for renewed debate over the balance between local autonomy, federal authority, and immigration enforcement in America’s largest city.
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