Long Island Officials Strengthen Stance Against Sanctuary Policies

Officials in Long Island have intensified their opposition to sanctuary policies and reaffirmed their cooperation with federal immigration authorities, in contrast to various municipalities across the country.

Elected officials and law enforcement in Nassau and Suffolk counties declared that they will not serve as sanctuaries for undocumented immigrants. They’ve pushed back against activist claims, arguing there’s been an overreach by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as it cracks down on illegal immigration.

“They have jobs, and I’m going to support them much like I support those who pursue terrorists,” stated Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder.

Police in both counties indicated they would only assist ICE if directly called, although this has yet to occur. While affirming that schools, hospitals, and churches would remain safe zones, they expressed their readiness to cooperate when necessary.

In a broader context, President Trump has initiated national crackdowns aimed at major cities that have sanctuary policies, particularly those governed by Democrats. This move comes amidst protests from activists challenging the administration’s stringent immigration approach.

Ryder mentioned, “We’ve connected with ICE, and they’re aligned with us. We steer clear of places of worship, schools, and hospitals. We don’t inquire about immigration status for victims or witnesses. That’s just how Nassau County operates.”

A spokesperson for Suffolk County echoed that the county is not a sanctuary, despite facing a $60 million court ruling this year.

This ruling highlighted that Suffolk had violated state law and the Fourth Amendment by detaining numerous immigrants at ICE’s request beyond their release dates between 2016 and 2018.

Officials contend that some individuals had unrelated charges and were identified as undocumented only during routine bookings, leading to delays in their release due to ICE’s inability to respond in time.

Tensions escalated earlier this month when 23-year-old Elzon Remus, a U.S. citizen, was temporarily detained by ICE agents during a traffic stop recorded on video in Westbury.

Thousands protested across Long Island over the weekend, from Mineola police headquarters to the Hamptons. Councilman Debra Mullet expressed that families were living in fear due to what she described as “indiscriminate ICE raids.”

“We all want safe communities, and reasonable people understand we need to prosecute those who threaten public safety. Deportation should only follow once cases are fully adjudicated; that’s not happening in Nassau County or our nation,” she noted.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman retorted, stating, “I’d rather allocate taxpayer funds to indict and prosecute illegal immigrants than let them remain in our community.” He affirmed Nassau’s commitment to collaborating with various law enforcement agencies to ensure community safety.

The controversial Meet program, which focuses on managing local detectives in partnership with ICE, alongside Suffolk’s ongoing legal battle, has heightened the rift in local governance regarding ICE involvement.

Remus remarked, “They claim to be searching for criminals, but in truth, they are the real criminals.”

The issue has captured the attention of state officials, and Attorney General Letitia James is currently probing Nassau’s dealings with federal immigration authorities.

Ryder emphasized, “We’re just trying to do what’s right.”

ICE has not responded to requests for comments.