Activists Push for NY4ALL Act Outside Capitol

In Albany, a group of activists and socialist Democrats gathered on the busy streets near the Capitol, advocating for a bill that aims to broaden the state’s debated sanctuary policy.

The proposed NY4ALL Act seeks to prevent all police and state staff in New York from collaborating with immigration authorities.

One determined activist stated, “We’ll stay here until NY4ALL passes.”

The protests blocked a stretch of Washington Avenue, stirring concerns following a recent ice attack in Los Angeles where President Trump took drastic measures, deploying the National Guard and Marines.

The fate of the NY4ALL Act in the state legislature appears precarious at best.

Republicans have criticized the bill, despite its unclear prospects. Congressman Matt Slater (R-Westchester) commented, “While President Trump continues to eliminate illegally dangerous criminals here, all actions in New York make our state a safe port and magnet for illegal immigration. Clearly, Democrats haven’t learned from past failures with open border policies.”

Among those participating in the sit-in were socialist lawmakers like Emily Gallagher (D-Brooklyn), Marcela Mitine (D-Brooklyn), and Claire Valdes (D-Keynes). The protest, organized by the New York Immigration Union, lasted about an hour.

Gallagher went as far as labeling the Trump administration as “fascists,” while sharing a video of her protest on social media, where a brass ensemble played in the background, somewhat drowning out her voice.

She remarked, “The ice may still overwhelm us, but we need to ensure we are doing everything we can to protect our community members.”

The NY4ALL Act aims to do more than just restrict local and state collaboration with federal immigration agencies. It would also bar ICE from entering state property without a judicial warrant, prevent county jails from holding ICE detainees, and stop state employees from recording an individual’s immigration status in state databases.

The protests effectively disrupted many bus routes into Albany, leading to significant rerouting.

By 4:30 p.m., the activists dispersed, and fortunately, there were no arrests reported.