New York will continue its first-in-the-nation state-funded program to provide free legal services to immigrants and communities targeted by federal immigration agents after $10 million was allocated for the program in this year's state budget.

The program, called the Liberty Defense Project, partners with law firms, legal associations, advocacy groups, and others to provide free legal counseling and representation to immigrants in New York.

The renewed funding approved by lawmakers in Albany earlier this week will allow the program to continue into its third year and expand its services in New York after Gov. Andrew Cuomo launched it as part of the state Department of State in 2017.