New York Attorney General Takes Action to Protect Immigrant Communities

Strategic Insights -

New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed an amicus brief in support of Rochester's sanctuary city law, arguing that it is constitutional and helps keep communities safe by allowing local law enforcement to focus on public safety priorities. The city's law, enacted in 1986 and updated in 2017, limits local involvement in federal immigration enforcement and encourages immigrant communities to interact with law enforcement without fear of deportation. James emphasizes that Rochester's law is in line with the Constitution, which grants states and localities power over public safety within their jurisdictions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Attorney General James argues that Rochester's sanctuary city law is constitutional, citing the 10th amendment's reservation of police power to states and localities.
  • Studies indicate that greater involvement of local law enforcement in immigration enforcement makes immigrant communities less likely to interact with police, leading to increased victimization and exploitation.
  • Immigrant community members may refrain from seeking vital local services, including health care, due to fear of deportation, which can lead to serious health complications.
  • Former Rochester Police Chief explained that the city's law was intended to avoid diverting resources away from public safety priorities, such as reducing gun violence.
  • Attorney General James has been a leader in protecting and defending immigrant communities, including joining a coalition of states in defending essential legal services for unaccompanied immigrant children.
  • The Trump administration's attacks on immigrant communities are considered cruel and shameful by Attorney General James.

Statistics:

  • 1986: The year Rochester enacted its sanctuary city law.
  • 2017: The year Rochester updated its sanctuary city law.
  • 10th amendment: The Constitutional amendment cited by Attorney General James as reserving police power to states and localities.
  • 19: The number of states joining Attorney General James in defending essential legal services for unaccompanied immigrant children.
  • 17: The number of attorneys general joining a coalition to support the American Civil Liberties Union's lawsuit challenging federal immigration enforcement tactics.
  • 17: The number of attorneys general co-leading a coalition to defend hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan immigrants under Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

Sources:

  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York
  • U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
  • American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
  • New York State Attorney General's Office
  • Trump administration
  • Rochester city ordinances (1986 and 2017 editions)
  • Studies on immigrant community interaction with law enforcement and access to local services.