Sheriffs Raise Alarm Over Immigration Proposals in New York State Budget
The New York State Sheriffs Association has voiced serious concerns regarding Governor Kathy Hochul’s immigration proposals currently being debated in the state budget. Law enforcement representatives fear that the proposed measures could hinder their ability to effectively carry out their responsibilities.
Broome County Sheriff Frederick J. Akshar II expressed the importance of this issue, stating that it is a matter he is deeply committed to. On Tuesday, Akshar, along with over a dozen other sheriffs and deputy sheriffs, gathered at the state Capitol to publicly oppose the governor’s immigration plan.
During the event, Sheriff Akshar emphasized the significance of their stance, declaring, “Today’s purpose is not to resist oversight or deny accountability. It’s about drawing a line in the sand and saying enough is enough.”
The association’s press release highlighted several immigration-related proposals with which they disagree. Notably, a proposed ban on sheriffs and local governments from entering into 287-G agreements with federal authorities is a significant concern. These agreements, which allow local law enforcement to assist in immigration enforcement, currently exist in eight sheriff’s offices across the state.
Furthermore, the association objected to a proposed prohibition on communication between sheriffs and immigration authorities regarding non-criminal matters, as well as a ban on agreements for housing federal civilian immigrant detainees in local jails.
Governor Hochul has defended her immigration proposal, first outlined in January, as vital for the protection of New Yorkers. She stated, “Every day, there are innocent New Yorkers who are afraid to go to a place of worship. Many law-abiding residents who have contributed to our community for decades live in fear. I aim to implement necessary protections that are long overdue.”
In response to the sheriffs’ concerns, Hochul’s office released a statement asserting that her proposed policies are designed to enable local law enforcement to concentrate on local crime rather than federal immigration enforcement. The administration remains committed to collaborating with Congress and law enforcement to ensure New Yorkers’ safety.
At the Capitol event, sheriffs also rallied behind Republican State Senator Pam Helming’s Protect Act. This proposal aims to reform New York’s current bail laws by introducing a pre-trial risk assessment for custody decisions. “The Protection Act is very common sense,” Helming remarked, stressing that judges must complete a standardized evaluation to assess whether an individual charged with a Class A misdemeanor or felony poses a danger prior to trial.
Provisions within the Protect Act would empower judges to intervene in defendants’ lives concerning addiction, mental health, and social services. Additionally, the proposed legislation mandates that judges render decisions on detention or release within 48 hours of arraignment.
Sheriff Todd Hood, a Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, labeled the Protect Act an “emergency bill.” He stated, “We need to empower our elected judges to support our police officers, detain dangerous individuals, and protect New Yorkers from criminal threats.” Senator Helming expressed hope that the protection law will be adopted alongside the budget, suggesting that some sheriffs are willing to support a budget delay to ensure the bill’s passage.
