LONG ISLAND, NY-January 30, 2026

Today, we express our strong support for the Governor’s proposed Local Cops, Local Crimes Act and
commend her for taking a principled stand in defense of constitutional governance, public safety and the rule of law.

We stand firmly behind the rule of law. However, the manner in which immigration enforcement is being
executed today has created significant disorder, instability and is outright inhumane. Increasingly,
enforcement actions resemble a public display of force rather than measured, lawful policing, raising serious concerns about flagrant abuse of power and the erosion of constitutional safeguards. When enforcement practices disregard due process and blur jurisdictional boundaries, public trust is undermined and community safety is weakened.

This legislation advances three critical protections designed to restore clarity, accountability and lawful order.

First, it reaffirms the fundamental constitutional requirement that law enforcement may not enter a person’s home without a judicial warrant. The sanctity of the home and the right to due process are cornerstones of our democracy, and no agency should operate outside those bounds.

Second, the Act prevents state, county and local law enforcement agencies from entering into 287(g)
agreements, ensuring that local police remain focused on local crimes and community safety: not federal
immigration enforcement. This distinction is essential to maintaining trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Third, the legislation prohibits the use of local detention facilities for large scale raids, making clear that state resources should not be used to advance federal immigration detention efforts.

The rule of law is not incompatible with humanity; it is strengthened by it. Our legal system was designed to promote both public safety and human dignity, and we have an obligation to uphold constitutional principles in a manner that reflects fairness, due process and respect for human life.

I call upon our elected officials at every level to support the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act. This is not a
partisan issue; it is a constitutional one. Restoring lawful, orderly and humane enforcement practices is
essential to rebuilding trust and ensuring justice for all.

This legislation represents a meaningful step towards restoring clarity, accountability, and stability in our
system of justice. It deserves full and immediate support.