BRI sets leadership for 2026; issues guidance on ICE encounters

The Building and Realty Institute of the Hudson Valley (BRI) is continuing into 2026 with Michael Murphy of Murphy Brothers Contracting being elected to a second term as BRI president. Also continuing to serve will be Stacey Tompkins of Tompkins Excavating as secretary and Christine McCabe, who has been reelected as treasurer.

Murphy told Westfair’s Westchester County Business Journal, “During the year ahead my focus is on four things: growing our membership; developing the next generation of industry leaders; keeping the BRI a strong and trusted voice on issues like housing policy and other member-related issues; and marking our 80th anniversary by looking ahead. The industry is changing, and we’re focused on what our members will need to succeed.”

Murphy said that BRI will continue to deliver what he described as “real value through education, advocacy, and reliable information, such as offering our members information on preparing for ICE raids. The guidance we put out is about clarity, not politics.”

BRI offered guidance on what to do if ICE agents arrive on private property such as a factory or construction work site. It noted that ICE agents cannot enter private areas without a judicial warrant, which is a warrant signed by a judge. ICE has in some instances tried to use an administrative warrant to gain access, but that is not a court document and does not provide agents with the same rights as does a judicial warrant.

BRI advised that administrative warrants do not allow entry to private areas and do not require employers to produce their employees. BRI advised members to train key staff about ICE and immigration matters and that on construction sites, fencing, signage, controlled access points, and safety requirements help establish whether an area is considered private.

“We’re not a political organization; we want our members to be prepared,” Murphy said. “Our industry depends on a diverse workforce, and employers need clear guidance. Ignoring the issue helps no one.”

Murphy has been a long-time member of the BRI Board of Trustees and also has served as chair of the Remodelers Advisory Council and previously held the office of secretary. Tompkins is a leading advocate for women in construction and was instrumental in launching the BRI’s Hudson Valley Women in Construction group. McCabe has been an advocate for co-op and condominium owners.

“BRI represents a vast community within the building and realty world here in Westchester County and beyond but there’s always room for growth,” Murphy said. “We need to reach out to younger membership. Our 80th anniversary gives BRI an opportunity to tell people what we stand for and also to celebrate what it is we’ve done and what we can do for the next 80 years.”