Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia said, “The Local Cops, Local Crimes Act draws a clear line between local law enforcement and federal civil immigration enforcement, so our officers can focus on keeping neighborhoods safe instead of doing the federal government’s job for it. The Trump administration has made it clear it wants to terrorize immigrant families, and New York will not let that happen. When residents trust that reporting a crime will not put them or their families at risk, our whole community is safer.”
Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero said, “True public safety means making sure our local law enforcement agencies have the resources and capacity to focus on the needs of the communities they serve, not diverting those already-stretched-thin resources toward the federal government’s mass deportation agenda. We have a responsibility to protect our communities and take action when ICE encroaches on the rights of New Yorkers. I’m grateful for Governor Hochul’s leadership and I’m proud of these new protections that ensure New Yorkers’ rights are upheld, including a pathway to hold government officials accountable in court when their constitutional rights are violated. We cannot stand by while federal overreach undermines trust in our communities, we have to protect New Yorkers and make sure every level of government is accountable to them.”
Assemblymember Noah Burroughs said, “Representing Long Island means standing up for the safety, priorities, and trust of the communities I serve. The Local Cops, Local Crimes Act puts that principle into action by keeping our local police focused on local crimes — not deputizing them to carry out federal civil immigration enforcement. Banning 287(g) agreements ensures that our local law-enforcement resources remain where they belong: protecting our neighborhoods, responding to crime, and building trust with the residents they serve. For the 18th Assembly District, this is about putting public safety first while making sure every community can work with and rely on its local police.”
Assemblymember Chuck Lavine said, “The Trump Administration’s war on America’s cities, America’s immigrants, and America’s people is un-American, and I thank Governor Hochul for leading the fight against its dehumanizing policies. At the same time, I am disgusted by the actions of the Nassau County Executive, who, in his obedience to Donald Trump, is stubbornly refusing to obey what is now law and end cooperation agreements with federal immigration officials. I have seen firsthand the devastating impacts these policies have had on innocent, hardworking mothers and fathers in our community. We must stand together and fight for justice.”
Albany Police Chief Brendan Cox said, “Trust directly impacts public safety. When trust is broken, when residents fear calling the police, when victims stay silent, when witnesses refuse to come forward- we all become less safe. It’s that simple. Trust is not just a good policy – it is public safety. That is why local law enforcement should be focused on fighting local crime and keeping our communities safe.”
Rensselaer County Legislators Mark Fleming, Nina Nichols, and Mary Frances Sabo said, “After hearing the Governor’s address on the new state law requiring local law enforcement agencies to end 287-g agreements, Rensselaer County Legislators are concerned with the Sheriff’s and County Executive’s vow of non- compliance. Community trust is compromised by agreements with ICE Crime victims or witnesses should not fear consequences of contacting police. ICE is more than adequately funded with over $100 billion in unobligated money and certainly doesn’t need local police to do their dirty work. There are only 2 of 62 Counties in New York foolish enough to pledge not to follow the law. The cost to litigate breaking the law when the Attorney General’s office comes calling should not be borne by Rensselaer County taxpayers.”
City of Kingston Police Chief Egidio Tinti said, “Thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul for making sure local law enforcement can stay focused on the communities we serve. Here in Kingston, that means using our officers and resources to prevent crime, respond to emergencies, and build the trust and relationships that are essential to keeping our community safe.”
Tuckahoe Police Chief Larry Rotta said, “As a small, densely populated village, Tuckahoe relies on strong relationships between our officers and the community we serve. Community policing is central to our approach, and maintaining the public’s trust is essential to keeping our residents safe. I thank Governor Hochul for championing the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act, which ensures that our officers can remain focused on addressing local crime, responding to residents’ needs and protecting everyone who calls Tuckahoe home.”
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, “In Monroe County, our top priority is ensuring the safety of every resident by making sure our police officers are focused on local crime and community policing. This new law aligns with our commitment to keeping local law enforcement resources directed where they belong – protecting our neighborhoods and building trust with the public. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for her strong leadership and unwavering support in protecting New York communities and ensuring our local agencies have the support they need to keep people safe.”
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger said, “Local law enforcement keeps our communities safe by staying focused on local crimes and the public safety priorities right in front of us—not by taking on the federal government’s civil immigration agenda. The Local Cops, Local Crimes Act helps to ensure that our officers’ time and resources are directed where they’re needed most, and strengthens trust between our residents and the agencies that serve them. I want to thank Governor Hochul and our partners in state government for taking decisive action to support effective, community‑focused policing that is rooted in community safety and free from federal overreach.”
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “Keeping our communities safe is a fundamental responsibility of local law enforcement, and that means making sure our police officers have the resources to focus on the needs of the people they serve. When immigrant communities trust their local police departments, they are more likely to report crimes, seek help and work with patrol officers to keep our neighborhoods safe. We thank Governor Hochul for her leadership on this issue, and welcome this important step to ensure locally funded police resources stay focused on public safety and protecting our communities, rather than being diverted to federal immigration enforcement.”
City of Rochester Mayor Malik Evans said, “As a Sanctuary City, Rochester has prohibited the use of City resources to enforce federal civil immigration statutes for nearly four decades. These assurances help us build trust and improve public safety by allowing members of our immigrant community to report crimes and access critical services without fear. I applaud Gov. Kathy Hochul for enacting the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act, which will extend these protections across the entire state and improve public safety for all New Yorkers.”
City of Ithaca Police Chief Thomas Kelly said, “Our goal is to enhance community safety while maintaining the trust and confidence of the people we serve. It is important that community members know local law enforcement will operate consistently with community expectations and established standards. We appreciate the governor preserving the ability of local police to work collaboratively with federal agencies when addressing criminal matters, while continuing to prioritize the safety and well-being of our community.”