After a public hearing that attracted more people than could be accommodated in the room, members of the Rockland County Legislature were continuing to ponder legislation that opponents claim would turn Rockland into a sanctuary county when it comes to immigrants. Proponents of the bill claim that it would not do that but would clarify how the County Sherriff’s Department and county employees share personal information with federal authorities in immigrant matters.
Proponents also claim that the legislation promotes constitutional policing, guards against unlawful detention, and ensures county resources are used to advance local public safety and service delivery while still adhering to the county’s obligations to uphold both federal and state law.
The legislation also would establish as a matter of county law that that an administrative warrant or other document signed by employees of the Department of Homeland Security or the U.S. Department of Justice relating solely to federal immigration law is not a Judicial Warrant. The Trump administration’s agents have been using administrative warrants created by the administration when breaking into homes and arresting people rather than going to court to obtain a warrant signed by a judge.
Republican Congressman Mike Lawler, whose New York 17th Congressional District includes Rockland County, has been an outspoken opponent of the legislation.
“I will do everything in my power to kill it, come hell or high-water. And as long as I am Congressman, this bill will never become law,” Lawler said.
“Let’s be clear, this is a sanctuary county law designed to limit lawful cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement,” Lawler said. “(Legislator) Beth Davidson introduced this bill in an effort to gain support among her progressive left base in a Democratic primary for Congress. Some of her colleagues on the legislature are joining her because they think this will help her win. They are doing this at the expense of public safety and law enforcement.”
Lawler alleged that the legislation being considered in Rockland is nothing more than a copy of a law passed in Westchester County with Westchester crossed out and replaced with Rockland.
Lawler claims that proponents of the legislation “are gaslighting everyone and hoping no one realizes what they are doing.” He accused the bill’s authors of not having discussed the specifics of the legislation with anyone in law enforcement.
“They did not check with their federal representatives about the impact on federal funding, including the over $6 million that was just secured yesterday for the Sheriff’s Department,” Lawler said. “And they damn sure didn’t consult with the public. This was haphazard, incompetent, and entirely political. It is bad public policy and will not make anyone safer.
Lawler said the legislation would not limit ICE from coming to Rockland County but rather makes an enforcement action more likely.
The Police Chiefs Association of Rockland County, Rockland County PBA, Town of Haverstraw PBA, and Town of Ramapo PBA in a joint statement against the legislation said, “Local police departments know their communities. Our officers understand the unique needs, concerns, and dynamics of the neighborhoods they serve and rely on communication, trust, and professional discretion to resolve situations safely and peacefully whenever possible. The ability for local law enforcement to coordinate with all appropriate partners, without unnecessary restrictions, allows incidents to be handled responsibly and in a manner that prioritizes both public safety and community trust.”
Legislator Lon Hofstein noted that the proposed law was originally labeled “The Immigration protection Act” and now it is being called ” Safety and Dignity for All Act.” He said the legislation would interfere with independent decision-making on the part of law enforcement professionals in the county.
The Rockland County Conservative Party noted that some of its members were at the public hearing and spoke out.
“While some in attendance voiced support for this legislation, we strongly opposed it and made it clear that we will never allow Rockland County to become a sanctuary county. Conservatives stood shoulder-to-shoulder with law enforcement and community members who believe in public safety and common sense. Let there be no mistake — if this legislation resurfaces, we will continue the fight.”
