Buffalo Ledger

Senator Patrick M. Gallivan (R-C, Elma) is taking a stand against the influx of migrants into New York State by co-sponsoring legislation that aims to enhance cooperation between law enforcement agencies and federal immigration officials. The bill (S.8533) proposed by Senator Gallivan would require notifying the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency when an arrested person or defendant is not a United States citizen, reversing policies that hinder state and local officials from assisting in the enforcement of immigration laws.

In 2017, former Governor Andrew Cuomo signed Executive Order 170, designating New York as a sanctuary state and restricting cooperation between local law enforcement and federal ICE agents. Despite the power to rescind this order, the current Governor Hochul has not taken any action to address the significant increase of immigrants in New York City and the state.

Senator Gallivan emphasized the importance of the bill, stating, "This bill allows our courts and police to notify and work with federal authorities, including ICE, to get these dangerous people off our streets." The legislation not only aims to enhance cooperation but also proposes reinstating the maximum sentence for a class A misdemeanor to 365 days and repealing the "protect our courts act" of 2020, which discouraged cooperation with federal immigration law enforcement.

As the discussion on immigration and law enforcement cooperation continues, Senator Gallivan's co-sponsorship of this legislation highlights the efforts to ensure accountability and safety within the state.