New York Governor Kathy Hochul has informed local governments that they can use zoning laws and environmental regulations to prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from building or expanding detention facilities in their areas. In a letter to local leaders, Hochul outlined these legal tools as part of a broader strategy to counter President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, which include proposals to expand detention capacity in parts of New York. These efforts align with a state law passed in May that limits ICE’s ability to operate detention centers by requiring more public notice and banning local financial support for such facilities. Hochul’s actions have drawn criticism from Republican opponents, who argue that the measures, inspired by policies in Minnesota, could hinder immigration enforcement. Local officials have expressed concern about ICE’s apparent push to expand detention capacity in cities like Batavia, Newburgh, and Rochester. Hochul had previously asked Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin for details about ICE’s plans in New York. An ICE representative responded that the agency has not directed the construction of a detention facility in Rochester, is in early stages of considering expansion in Batavia, and is acquiring a new facility in the Hudson Valley through the General Services Administration. In New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Attorney General Letitia James have filed lawsuits to block a Trump administration rule that would make it harder for immigrants with legal status to change their status. The rule would allow immigration agents to deny green cards or visas based on participation in social safety net programs. Mamdani warned that this could lead to medical emergencies if immigrants avoid necessary healthcare, while James argued the rule contradicts decades of legal precedent. New York State has also announced changes to its high school graduation requirements. The New York State Board of Regents approved a plan to make the state’s Regents exams optional for the high school class of 2027, which will be the last required to take them. Starting in the 2027-28 school year, students will be able to demonstrate their proficiency through coursework or projects instead of standardized tests. In other news, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg announced that his office has taken control of 12 websites used to create and sell AI-generated deepfake pornography. The sites featured explicit content involving approximately 1,200 individuals, mostly women and celebrities. Bragg emphasized that such material is illegal under New York state law, which was updated in 2023 to specifically ban AI-generated adult content. Meanwhile, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has not ruled out running for president or a Senate seat in 2028, though she said her immediate focus is on the midterms. Other developments include reports about delays in federal security clearance for Mayor Mamdani and a billboard campaign supporting Republican candidate Bruce Blakeman.