By HWM
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul used her 2026 State of the State address to draw a clear line on immigration enforcement, pledging that New York “will not allow the use of State resources to assist in federal immigration raids on people who have not committed serious crimes.” She also vowed to protect communities from abuse and hold federal officers accountable when constitutional rights are violated.
The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), a leading statewide advocacy organization, welcomed the governor’s remarks but urged immediate legislative action to codify those commitments.
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The governor’s speech comes amid what advocates describe as mounting pressure from federal immigration enforcement efforts, along with broader economic challenges including rising living costs and strained public services.
“The issue carries particular weight in neighborhoods such as Central Harlem, where approximately 23% of residents are foreign-born, according to NYC.gov data.“
Murad Awawdeh, president and CEO of NYIC, said in a press statement the state must go further by passing the New York For All Act, legislation designed to prohibit state and local agencies from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement absent a judicial warrant.
“As federal overreach escalates and ICE targets immigrants in their homes and workplaces with impunity, New Yorkers are paying the price through broken families and destabilized communities,” Awawdeh said in a press statement. He called for full funding of immigrant legal services at $175 million and the passage of the Access to Representation and BUILD Acts to help ensure due process protections.
NYIC also emphasized the broader economic context facing immigrant communities. Awawdeh pointed to the need for expanded investments in the Housing Access Voucher Program, language access services, and other essential supports to address affordability concerns.
The issue carries particular weight in neighborhoods such as Central Harlem, where approximately 23% of residents are foreign-born, according to NYC.gov data. In a community of roughly 98,000 to more than 136,000 people, that represents a significant and diverse immigrant population, including a strong West African presence along 116th Street, often referred to as “Little Senegal.” The immigrant share of Central Harlem’s population has grown over the past two decades, rising from 17.8% in 2000 to 20.5% by 2019, according to city data.
Founded in 1987, NYIC represents more than 200 immigrant and refugee rights groups statewide. The coalition brings together grassroots organizations, faith institutions, labor unions, and legal advocates to promote policies aimed at protecting immigrant communities and expanding access to services.
While praising Hochul’s stated commitments, NYIC leaders say the next step is turning those promises into law.
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