Democrats in Albany torpedoed legislation that would have given more power to local police to share information with federal law enforcement about the arrests of illegal immigrants, so that it would be easier to deport them.
The bill aimed to reverse so-called “Sanctuary City” policies that have inflamed issues related to the flood of illegal immigrants into New York.
The legislation that failed to pass, named after Laken Riley, a young nursing student who was brutally beaten to death near the University of Georgia by an illegal immigrant from Venezuela, was introduced by Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo (R-7th) and Senate Deputy Minority Leader Andrew Lanza (R-24th).
Before he murdered Riley, Jose Ibarra was arrested in 2022 in Queens on child endangerment charges and was released before ICE could process and deport him.
Ibarra has known connections with the brutal Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang. When released in New York, Ibarra traveled to Georgia where he killed Riley as she went for a jog.
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo signed an Executive Order on September 15th, 2017, that designated New York as a sanctuary state and made it nearly impossible for state and local law enforcement to cooperate with federal ICE agents.
Republican supporters of the “Laken Law” here in New York had hoped that Governor Hochul would at least rescind Cuomo’s Executive Order, but she has taken no action as the state continues to be ravaged by costs and crime associated with illegal immigrants.
Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt weighed in saying, “The migrant crisis continues to spiral out of control as a direct result of open borders, sanctuary policies, and soft-on-crime measures championed by Democrats at the state and federal level. Governor Hochul and President Biden could take measures to reverse the massive influx of migrants with the stroke of their pens, but they continue to allow it unchecked – leaving New York taxpayers on the hook and our streets less safe. If our Governor and President won’t act to protect New Yorkers, the Legislature must step in to do so.”
The proposed legislation would mandate that local and state law enforcement, as well as certain courts, notify ICE of the arrest or conviction of criminal illegal immigrants. It would also repeal the "Protect Our Courts Act" of 2020, which was intended to discourage cooperation with and enforcement of federal immigration laws.
“New York Democrats have consistently worked to undermine federal immigration authorities and protect those who enter the United States illegally. We must compel law enforcement at every level to cooperate with ICE, and strengthen our laws so that New York is no longer a preferred destination for illegal immigrants - especially those with criminal intent,” said Assemblyman Gandolfo.
Meanwhile, Democrats stuck to their guns, protecting illegal aliens from being deported and preventing law enforcement from reporting them to ICE.
Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-81st) said, “New York has held the position of protecting those who are coming to this country for a better life and to protect against aggressive immigration enforcement.”
“The failed immigration policies of President Biden and Governor Hochul are making New Yorkers less safe. Illegal migrants attacking our citizens and our brave men and women in law enforcement must be deported. This bill reverses course and allows our courts and police to notify federal authorities to get these dangerous people off our streets.” concluded State Senator Lanza.