Buffalo operates as a sanctuary city limiting Buffalo Police cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, supported by New York's statewide Trust Act-style policies that restrict ICE detainer compliance without judicial warrants.
Buffalo has affirmed sanctuary policies through executive orders and BPD general orders limiting officers from inquiring about immigration status during routine policing or holding individuals on ICE detainers absent a judicial warrant. New York Attorney General guidance and the 2017 protections for noncitizens directives discourage state and local cooperation with civil immigration enforcement. NYS Office of New Americans, the New York Immigrant Family Unity Project, and Buffalo legal-services nonprofits provide deportation defense. Buffalo schools follow Plyler v. Doe by enrolling all children regardless of status. The 2019 BPD consent decree separately reformed broader policing practices.
Violations are framed as policy noncompliance by city employees rather than criminal acts. Officers who improperly share immigration status face internal discipline under BPD general orders.
See how Buffalo's sanctuary policy preemption rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.