New York native Tom Homan, the nation’s new Border Czar, came home to send a message: “New York State, you gotta change the sanctuary status. If you don’t, get out of the way because we’re going to do our job.” He appeared in Albany to support bills by Senate and Assembly Republicans to strengthen the state’s immigration laws.
One is “Laken’s Law,” named after 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley, who was murdered by an undocumented Venezuelan migrant previously arrested and released in Queens. Reversing a 2017 executive order signed by then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the bill would restore cooperation between New York courts, law enforcement agencies, and federal immigration authorities in cases involving the arrest or conviction of non-citizens.
Homan also put the Trump Administration’s weight behind legislation to repeal the state’s “Green Light Law.” As it stands, the law allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver’s license and prohibits the Department of Motor Vehicles from sharing information with federal immigration officials, ultimately putting federal investigators and the public in danger, according to the lawmakers who met with Homan at the capital. “Passing this bill will give law enforcement officials the tools and resources necessary to secure New York’s international borders,” they noted.
“New York should not be a sanctuary state, and the Democrats need to stop fighting our efforts to make the citizens safe,” said Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano, who was part of the delegation that met with Homan. “We welcome the attention the White House is giving to this problem, and we are glad the new Border Czar has come to help us.”
“This is a matter of public safety that should transcend partisan politics,” said Will Barclay, the Assembly’s GOP conference leader. “There should be no debate. For years, we have been calling for stronger protections for our citizens surrounding the dangers posed by illegal migrants, only to face opposition from Democrats. It’s common sense to secure our borders and restore full cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Anything less jeopardizes the safety of our communities.”
“The tragic murder of Laken Riley was preventable and exemplifies the dangers of weak border policies and sanctuary states like New York,” said Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo, sponsor of the bill named in her honor. “The Trump Administration has made great strides on border security, specifically passing the Laken Riley Act, which will prioritize the removal of criminal illegal migrants from our country. Now, it’s New York’s turn to step up and assist in the apprehension of these individuals as well. ‘Laken’s Law’ will put an end to the sanctuary state policies that caused the migrant crisis within our state and ensure a safer New York for all.”
Homan takes over the Border Czar role from former Vice President Harris, whose inaction allowed millions of migrants to enter the country illegally. The alien invasion was a key reason for her loss to Donald Trump in last year’s presidential campaign. Homan has threatened to arrest governors and other officials who impede federal deportation efforts.