Proposed ‘Sanctuary County’ Bill Sparks Widespread Reaction Across Rockland County

By Yisroel R.

A proposed piece of legislation introduced by Rockland County Legislator Beth Davidson has sparked widespread reaction from elected officials and law enforcement leaders across Rockland County. The measure, referred to as an “Immigrant Protection Act,” would limit cooperation between local law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

According to county officials, the proposal would restrict county employees and law enforcement from proactively cooperating with federal immigration authorities except in limited circumstances involving criminal investigations. The legislation would also prevent county agencies from holding individuals at the request of ICE unless a judge has issued a warrant, prohibit notifying federal authorities when an individual is released from custody, and limit the sharing of information regarding a person’s immigration status.

Rockland County Executive Ed Day confirmed that his office has reviewed a draft of the proposed legislation, which he said mirrors a law adopted in neighboring Westchester County in 2018. Day has publicly stated that if the measure is approved by the County Legislature, he would veto it.

The proposal has drawn strong responses from Republican officials at both the state and federal levels. State Senator Bill Weber criticized the proposal, calling it dangerous and warning that it would weaken cooperation between local law enforcement and federal authorities. Weber also challenged his Democratic opponent, Joe Rand, to publicly clarify whether he supports the legislation, saying residents have a right to know where candidates stand on the issue.

Congressman Mike Lawler also spoke out against the proposal, stating that it would put public safety at risk by limiting communication and coordination between local law enforcement and federal immigration officials. Lawler said the legislation would prevent agencies from honoring detainer requests or providing release notifications, create additional legal and bureaucratic barriers, and prioritize immigration status protections over public safety considerations. He called on members of the Rockland County Legislature to oppose the bill.

Law enforcement organizations throughout Rockland County also issued a joint statement addressing the proposed legislation. The Police Chiefs Association of Rockland County, Rockland County PBA, Town of Haverstraw PBA, and Town of Ramapo PBA warned that the legislation could disrupt long-standing partnerships between local, state, and federal agencies that they say have played a key role in maintaining public safety across the county.

The proposed legislation has not yet been formally introduced for a vote, and no timeline has been announced. The issue is expected to remain a focus of public debate in the coming weeks.