09.18.2017

NEW YORK - In response to news that Governor Andrew Cuomo signed an Executive Order preventing state troopers from asking or disclosing immigration information, the Center for Popular Democracy released the following statement from Co-Executive Director Ana Maria Archila:

"This Executive Order will make New York a safer and more welcoming state for immigrants. Immigrants in New York should not need to fear deportation when applying for critical public services for themselves and their families, and this Executive Order ensures that routine visits to secure housing, healthcare, and education will not funnel immigrants into Trump's immigration dragnet.

It is one of the strongest measures of its kind in the country and a victory for immigrants in New York, who have spent years organizing their communities behind this law. It is also a victory for local legislators, who have led the way in introducing similar policies in their own hometowns. Local lawmakers will continue to advocate for the strongest possible protections for immigrants and policies that keep our communities strong."

The Center for Popular Democracy also released statements from members of Local Progress, a national network of municipal elected officials, many of whom have fought for and passed policies similar to the Executive Order in New York State. 

"This Executive Order is a common sense action to protect immigrants from fear and intimidation," said Albany Council Member Leah Golby. "This is especially important to Albany's diverse communities given Governor Cuomo's initiative partnering State Troopers with our police officers on Albany streets. The Governor's Executive Order aligns with our city's existing community policing philosophy and policies put in place by Mayor Sheehan, the Common Council and APD's Acting Chief Sears. This helps New York and our capital city remain a welcoming place for all."

“We must all take a stand against the overreach of any federal agency," said Newburgh Council Member Karen Mejía. "The recent demand from the DOJ violates our constitution.  No municipality should be coerced into violating the privacy and safety of its citizens. “

"Governor Cuomo has taken the essential step of implementing a state-wide directive protecting our immigrant communities from fear and harassment," said Ithaca Alderwoman Cynthia Brock. "In urban, rural and agricultural areas of Tompkins County our immigrant communities are essential components of our thriving neighborhoods and our economy.  Close partnerships with NY State Police provides crucial local law enforcement services and protections to keep all of our residents safe.  Cuomo's directive will ensure consistency and support to our communities, and confidence that our most vulnerable throughout the state can reach out to law enforcement for protection."

“We are a State, and County, of immigrants. Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order is a major step toward insuring our immigrant brothers and sisters are provided equal protections under our law," said Catherine Borgia, Majority Leader at the Westchester County Board of Legislators. "Measures like this are needed now because of intense fear in the immigrant community due to aggressive language and threats from Trump Administration and Department of Justice. When immigrants are afraid that law enforcement will demand their immigration status, they may not contact the police when they are victims of or witnesses to a crime. When criminals are not reported, criminal activity cannot be stopped and perpetrators cannot be apprehended. This makes us all less safe. In Westchester, our Immigrant Protection Act, which I introduced and was passed with bi-partsian votes but was vetoed by the County Executive, aims to provide the same type of protections against inquiring about one’s immigration status. Together, we can combat the discriminatory policies coming from Washington and what the Governor did through this order will go a long way."

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Media Contact:
Asya Pikovsky, apikovsky@populardemocracy.org, 207-522-2442