New York lawmakers are pushing for a bill that would restrict state and local police from cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), amid growing concerns over the Trump administration's aggressive deportation campaign. The proposal, known as New York for All Act, has been introduced six years ago but never brought to the floor by lawmakers.
The decision to introduce this legislation comes in light of recent events, including the fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, and escalating deportations across the country, including in New York. Advocates say that the recent violence and deportations have highlighted the need for stronger sanctuary laws to protect communities from government abuse.
Assemblymember Catalina Cruz notes that the current climate is more urgent than ever, with daily reports of community kidnappings and families torn apart by ICE. The bill aims to block state and local officers from enforcing federal immigration laws, sharing sensitive information with ICE, and ensure people in custody are informed of their rights before being interviewed by immigration agents.
Currently, New York City has some of the strongest sanctuary laws, prohibiting city jails and police from honoring ICE detainer requests. Governor Kathy Hochul has been walking a fine line on immigration issues, stating she continues to cooperate with ICE while also stressing the need for stronger protections for immigrants.
However, Republicans vehemently oppose any effort to limit local law enforcement's cooperation with ICE, citing concerns over public safety. Long Island Assemblymember Jarett Gandolfo believes that expanding sanctuary policies would be a "bad idea" and has introduced a bill that would overrule certain sanctuary laws in the state.
Lawmakers are urging caution but believe they have the political will to pass this legislation. State Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris sees this as an opportunity to stand firm in defense of voting rights, equal rights, and immigrant communities. The proposed policy aims to give people a way to seek recourse if their property or well-being is damaged by ICE.
Progressive lawmakers and advocacy organizations are pushing for additional bills that would guarantee legal counsel for immigrants facing deportation and dedicate $175 million in state funds for those services. Studies show that having a lawyer in immigration court reduces the likelihood of deportation.
The decision to introduce this legislation comes in light of recent events, including the fatal shooting of a woman by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, and escalating deportations across the country, including in New York. Advocates say that the recent violence and deportations have highlighted the need for stronger sanctuary laws to protect communities from government abuse.
Assemblymember Catalina Cruz notes that the current climate is more urgent than ever, with daily reports of community kidnappings and families torn apart by ICE. The bill aims to block state and local officers from enforcing federal immigration laws, sharing sensitive information with ICE, and ensure people in custody are informed of their rights before being interviewed by immigration agents.
Currently, New York City has some of the strongest sanctuary laws, prohibiting city jails and police from honoring ICE detainer requests. Governor Kathy Hochul has been walking a fine line on immigration issues, stating she continues to cooperate with ICE while also stressing the need for stronger protections for immigrants.
However, Republicans vehemently oppose any effort to limit local law enforcement's cooperation with ICE, citing concerns over public safety. Long Island Assemblymember Jarett Gandolfo believes that expanding sanctuary policies would be a "bad idea" and has introduced a bill that would overrule certain sanctuary laws in the state.
Lawmakers are urging caution but believe they have the political will to pass this legislation. State Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris sees this as an opportunity to stand firm in defense of voting rights, equal rights, and immigrant communities. The proposed policy aims to give people a way to seek recourse if their property or well-being is damaged by ICE.
Progressive lawmakers and advocacy organizations are pushing for additional bills that would guarantee legal counsel for immigrants facing deportation and dedicate $175 million in state funds for those services. Studies show that having a lawyer in immigration court reduces the likelihood of deportation.