Two major changes hit immigrant New Yorkers this week. On May 19, a federal judge in Manhattan ordered ICE to stop arresting most immigrants inside New York City’s three immigration courthouses. Two days later, the New York State Legislature passed budget measures that significantly expand the state’s sanctuary protections — including a ban on most local jail cooperation with ICE and a prohibition on ICE agents wearing masks during enforcement actions.
This guide walks through exactly what changed, what it means for immigrant New Yorkers, and how to get free, confidential legal help this weekend if you or someone you love is affected.
What Just Changed: The May 2026 Updates
1. Federal Judge Blocks ICE Courthouse Arrests (May 19, 2026)
U.S. District Judge Kevin Castel in Manhattan granted a stay barring ICE from arresting most immigrants inside New York City’s three immigration courthouses. The ruling came after a nearly year-long legal fight over courthouse arrests. The decision means that — for now — appearing for a scheduled immigration court hearing inside NYC’s three immigration courthouses should not result in being detained on the courthouse premises.
The ruling is a stay, not a final judgment. The case continues. Anyone with a scheduled hearing should still consult an attorney before appearing.
2. New York State Sanctuary Measures (May 21, 2026)
The New York State Legislature approved measures as part of the state budget that:
- Prohibit local jails from holding individuals on behalf of ICE — known as ICE detainers — except where there is a judicial warrant or evidence of a crime.
- Ban formal 287(g) agreements between local governments and ICE. 287(g) agreements deputize local officers as immigration agents; New York’s measure ends them statewide.
- Prohibit ICE agents from wearing masks during enforcement actions.
- Protect sensitive locations — hospitals, child care centers, schools, polling places, and churches — from ICE enforcement without a judicial warrant.
The framework, described in the legislative materials as “Local Cops, Local Crimes,” keeps local police focused on local criminal matters rather than civil immigration enforcement. Local police can still work with ICE on criminal investigations when there is a court order, warrant, or evidence of a crime.
For the most current status of state legislation, check the official New York State Senate and Assembly websites.
What Has NOT Changed
This is the part that matters most for your day-to-day life and legal safety:
- You still have the right to remain silent if approached by ICE.
- You do not have to open your door without a judicial warrant (signed by a judge). An ICE administrative warrant is not the same thing.
- You have the right to speak to an attorney before signing any document ICE presents.
- NYC is a sanctuary city — city employees including teachers, hospital staff, and most NYPD officers do not ask about immigration status and are limited by NYC law in cooperating with ICE.
- Federal immigration law has not changed. State sanctuary protections limit state and local cooperation; they do not change ICE’s federal authority.
Free Immigration Legal Help: Verified Resources for May 2026
Every resource below is verified directly against the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), The Legal Aid Society, and the City Bar Justice Center. Asking for help will not affect your immigration status. All services are confidential.
MOIA Immigration Legal Support Hotline
800-354-0365
City-funded, free, and safe. Operated by the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. Will connect you to a free legal screening and trusted, vetted legal services providers near you. Interpretation is available.
Hours: Monday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Tuesday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Thursday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., last Saturday of each month 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. You can also dial 311 and say “Immigration Legal.”
Source: nyc.gov MOIA Hotline page
The Legal Aid Society — Immigration Law Unit
212-577-3300
Legal Aid’s Immigration Law Unit assists low-income immigrants with obtaining lawful status, applying for citizenship, defending against deportation, and reunifying families. They also publish a continually updated set of Know Your Rights resources tailored to the current federal environment.
Source: legalaidnyc.org/get-help/immigration-deportation
City Bar Justice Center — Immigrant Justice Project
212-382-4711
Partners with community-based groups to provide know-your-rights presentations, legal clinics, and advocacy. Strong asylum and immigration-court representation focus.
Source: citybarjusticecenter.org/projects/immigrant-justice-project
MOIA Immigration Legal Support Centers
The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs operates Immigration Legal Support Centers in immigrant neighborhoods, housed in community sites, public health facilities, public schools, and libraries. Services are provided in your language; immigration status does not matter. Find your nearest center via the MOIA Hotline at 800-354-0365 or at the MOIA website.
Source: MOIA Legal Support Centers
Know Your Rights Materials in 17+ Languages
MOIA publishes free Know Your Rights booklets covering interactions with ICE, what to do if a loved one is detained, and Sanctuary City Laws in NYC. Available in English, Arabic, Bangla, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Nepali, Polish, Pular, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Tibetan, Wolof, and Urdu.
Source: nyc.gov Know Your Rights page
How to Take Action: What to Do This Weekend
- If you have an upcoming immigration court date — call an immigration attorney or the MOIA Hotline (800-354-0365) before your hearing. The courthouse-arrest ruling is a stay, not a final order, and your individual case may have factors that change the analysis.
- If a family member has been detained — download MOIA’s free “What to Do After a Loved One Is Detained by ICE” flyer (available in 14+ languages) from the MOIA Know Your Rights page, then call The Legal Aid Society at 212-577-3300.
- If you are a caregiver — MOIA recommends choosing a standby guardian for your child and updating emergency contacts at your child’s school. Call 800-354-0365 for help walking through the standby guardianship process.
- If you are approached by someone claiming to be an immigration lawyer — verify them. Immigration fraud is a major problem in NYC. Only licensed attorneys and Department of Justice-accredited representatives can give immigration legal advice. The MOIA hotline can verify whether a provider is legitimate.
- Save these numbers in your phone now: 800-354-0365 (MOIA), 212-577-3300 (Legal Aid), 212-382-4711 (City Bar Justice Center), 911 (emergency only).
If ICE Comes to Your Door
According to MOIA’s Know Your Rights guidance:
- You do not have to open the door unless agents have a warrant signed by a judge (not an ICE administrative warrant).
- Ask agents to slip the warrant under the door so you can read it. A valid judicial warrant has the name of a judge or magistrate at the top and the address being searched.
- You have the right to remain silent.
- You have the right to speak to an attorney before answering questions or signing anything.
- Do not run. Do not lie. Do not show false documents.
The Bottom Line
The May 2026 updates expand New York’s sanctuary protections meaningfully, but federal immigration law has not changed. Knowing your rights and having an attorney’s number saved before you need it remain the most important things you can do. Every resource above is free, confidential, and open to you regardless of immigration status.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Immigration law changes frequently, and individual cases vary. Verify current rules and your personal situation with an immigration attorney. The MOIA Hotline (800-354-0365) can connect you with one for free.
