New York county drops 'sanctuary' bill after resident pressure

Rockland County in New York is dropping its efforts to declare itself a “sanctuary” jurisdiction after facing public backlash and concerns from law enforcement. 

On Tuesday night, hundreds gathered at the Rockland County Legislature to protest the proposal, which would prevent local law enforcement from working with federal immigration agents to apprehend those who are in the US illegally. Patriot protesters filled the legislative chambers, forcing many to wait outside. Amid the pressure, legislators pulled the vote, saying they would revisit it in March and hold another public hearing.

Democratic legislators have defended the proposal, saying it is necessary to counter the Trump administration’s efforts to enforce immigration law. In a statement regarding the bill, Rockland County Legislator Beth Davidson condemned the fact that Rockland County’s “diverse communities” have been impacted by ICE.

“We’re seeing chronic absenteeism in our schools because students are afraid that they or their parents will be picked up and deported,” he claimed.

However, the legislature’s Republican minority argued that the bill would negatively impact public safety.

"This legislation prioritizes ideology over safety, weakens cooperation between levels of government, and places unnecessary financial and security burdens on our community," GOP lawmakers said, according to a report by Center Square. "Ultimately, sanctuary counties fail the most basic responsibility of government: protecting the public. No political statement is worth compromising safety, accountability, or the rule of law."

Multiple law enforcement groups had also expressed opposition to the proposal, including the Police Chiefs Association of Rockland County and the Rockland County Police Benevolent Association. In a statement, they said that the proposal "risks disrupting effective and long-established partnerships" between local law enforcement and the federal government.

"The ability for local law enforcement to coordinate with all appropriate partners, without unnecessary restrictions, allows incidents to be handled responsibly and in a manner that prioritizes both public safety and community trust," the statement said. "Limiting lawful cooperation between agencies may result in unintended consequences that negatively impact public safety throughout Rockland County."