The Offices of New York State Attorney General Letitia James and Governor Kathy Hochul issued a joint guidance document for private and nonprofit entities like social services agencies and providers, houses of worship, medical and healthcare facilities, and other entities that provide community services and spaces, in evaluating how to respond to requests from federal immigration authorities while protecting the rights of their residents, clients, patients, members, and staff.
The guidance is intended to help staff members who work in “sensitive locations” answer questions like:
- Does my organization have to permit entry to an immigration official seeking access to an individual in the facility?
- What should my organization do to prepare for immigration authorities seeking access to facilities?
- How should staff respond to requests for information?
This guidance applies to private or nonprofit facilities and not to city or state-owned or leased buildings. State properties are subject to Executive Order 170.1. Separate guidance for school districts was also issued in January 2025.
