New York Advocates Push for Sweeping Immigration Reform Amid Growing Public Outrage
Legislators in Albany are capitalizing on the growing momentum to pass long-studied legislation that would restrict cooperation between state and local law enforcement agencies and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The push comes amidst a wave of demonstrations across the country, sparked by the recent fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a 26-year-old Somali refugee who was killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
Proponents of the New York for All Act argue that the time has come to act decisively, citing the escalating deportations and ICE's increasingly aggressive tactics. "I think what's different this year is the clarity of the need, the human clarity, the political clarity," said Assemblymember Catalina Cruz, a Queens Democrat. "Turn on the TV every day, and it's another kidnapping in our community. It's another family being torn apart."
The bill would block state and local officers from enforcing federal immigration laws and sharing sensitive information with ICE, absent a judicial warrant. Additionally, it would ensure that people in custody are informed of their legal rights before being interviewed by immigration agents.
New York City already has some of the country's strongest sanctuary laws, but Republican lawmakers on Long Island are pushing back against any efforts to expand these protections. "I really just don't think that's a good idea," said Assemblymember Jarett Gandolfo, who sponsored a bill aimed at overruling some of New York City's sanctuary policies.
However, with public opinion shifting in favor of immigration reform, supporters are confident that the momentum is on their side. A recent Siena Research poll found that 65% of respondents believe deploying federal immigration officials to round up undocumented immigrants had gone "too far," while only 54% supported Trump's deportation efforts.
Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed concerns about public safety and the need for cooperation with ICE, but her stance remains unclear. While she has continued a 2017 executive order limiting state agencies' interaction with ICE, she has also stated that New York will often cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
With the state Assembly's fate of the bill uncertain, proponents are urging lawmakers to take bold action and push for comprehensive reforms. "This is not the time to nit-pick about what we should and shouldn't do," said State Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. "We need to do all of it."
Legislators in Albany are capitalizing on the growing momentum to pass long-studied legislation that would restrict cooperation between state and local law enforcement agencies and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The push comes amidst a wave of demonstrations across the country, sparked by the recent fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a 26-year-old Somali refugee who was killed by an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
Proponents of the New York for All Act argue that the time has come to act decisively, citing the escalating deportations and ICE's increasingly aggressive tactics. "I think what's different this year is the clarity of the need, the human clarity, the political clarity," said Assemblymember Catalina Cruz, a Queens Democrat. "Turn on the TV every day, and it's another kidnapping in our community. It's another family being torn apart."
The bill would block state and local officers from enforcing federal immigration laws and sharing sensitive information with ICE, absent a judicial warrant. Additionally, it would ensure that people in custody are informed of their legal rights before being interviewed by immigration agents.
New York City already has some of the country's strongest sanctuary laws, but Republican lawmakers on Long Island are pushing back against any efforts to expand these protections. "I really just don't think that's a good idea," said Assemblymember Jarett Gandolfo, who sponsored a bill aimed at overruling some of New York City's sanctuary policies.
However, with public opinion shifting in favor of immigration reform, supporters are confident that the momentum is on their side. A recent Siena Research poll found that 65% of respondents believe deploying federal immigration officials to round up undocumented immigrants had gone "too far," while only 54% supported Trump's deportation efforts.
Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed concerns about public safety and the need for cooperation with ICE, but her stance remains unclear. While she has continued a 2017 executive order limiting state agencies' interaction with ICE, she has also stated that New York will often cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
With the state Assembly's fate of the bill uncertain, proponents are urging lawmakers to take bold action and push for comprehensive reforms. "This is not the time to nit-pick about what we should and shouldn't do," said State Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. "We need to do all of it."
I think this is such a huge moment for NY - people are finally speaking out against the unfair treatment of immigrants! 
The fact that 65% of people think deploying federal immigration officials is too far is crazy, but also kinda heartbreaking 
. It's time for us to stand up and demand change. I love how Assemblymember Catalina Cruz is bringing the heat 
- we need more leaders like her! 
. we need to find a balance between keeping our communities safe and respecting the rights of immigrants. theres gotta be a way to address the issues without creating more problems 
. governors Hochul and Gandolfo are both right in their concerns but like Gianaris said, nitpicking isnt gonna cut it 
. i hope lawmakers can put aside their differences and pass that bill 
.
I'm literally livin' for this! The fact that people are finally speaking out against ICE's dirty tactics is a major wake-up call. We gotta take a stand for our communities and for humanity, not just stick our heads in the sand waiting for someone else to do something about it. 65% of ppl think deploying federal immigration officials was too far? Mind blown! 
i mean, this has been in the news for weeks and people are actually showing up to protests now? some ppl say we should be doing more but idk man, sanctuary laws have worked pretty well in NYC and i dont see why we need to make a big deal out of it. plus, what about those undocumented ppl who came here as kids? wouldn't wanna deport them tho 
. Those poor families who got torn apart because of immigration issues... it's just heartbreaking 
. We gotta recognize that everyone deserves some basic human rights 
, like knowing their rights before being questioned by immigration agents. It's not rocket science! 
And honestly, I'm kinda tired of the back-and-forth between lawmakers who are more worried about getting re-elected than doing what's right 
. We need bold action now, not just tweaks to existing policies 
. Its time for us to demand change and create a system that works for everyone 
.
I'm so inspired by the New Yorkers who are standing up for their community's right to feel safe! The fact that 65% of people believe deploying federal immigration officials is a huge step too far 
.
. We need to make sure our lawmakers are being bold and taking real action, not just talking the talk.
.
. And now, politicians are trying to make a profit off of people's suffering? It just doesn't sit right with me.
. We can't keep making laws that hurt the most vulnerable members of our society. And honestly, who does ICE even think it is trying to help by deporting people left and right? They're just causing more harm than good 
.
. We can do better, New York!
. Governor Hochul needs to step up and show her true colors - we've had enough of ambiguity 
. With 65% of people saying deployment has gone too far, it's clear public opinion is on our side 
lets get on the side of love and compassion here!!! 
. Renee Nicole Good was just 26, innocent, and killed by some ICE dude in Minneapolis... meanwhile, our lawmakers are still debating whether or not to cooperate with ICE 
Can you imagine if we showed that kind of empathy for everyone who's ever felt marginalized? 
We need leaders who are listening to the people and not just playing politics. Governor Hochul, please take a stand on sanctuary laws and let's work together towards a more inclusive New York! 
. This isnt just about immigration reform, its about buildin a more just and equitable society for everyone 
. We gotta keep pushin forward with love, compassion, and solidarity