Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - State Sen. Jeremy Zellner was in North Buffalo on Friday to discuss his co-sponsorship of the New York for All Act (S2235B), citing growing concerns over recent actions by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and their impact on families and community safety across Western New York and the state.
The announcement comes as recent incidents in Western New York have underscored the serious and, at times, tragic consequences policies can have on individuals and families, with advocates and local leaders warning that increased fear is making it harder for residents to report crimes, seek medical care, and access essential services.
"Across Western New York, from Buffalo-to-Niagara Falls and beyond and across the country, we are seeing the consequences of Donald Trump's reckless use of ICE. These aren't abstract policies. They affect real people in our neighborhoods every single day," said Zellner on Friday. "Federal enforcement is chaotic, heavy handed and harmful. It's tearing families apart, eroding trust in our institutions, and putting already vulnerable people in more harm's way, and more dangerous situations."
While Zellner is new to the State Senate, he understands the responsibility to the people he serves, and feels doing nothing is not an option.
"When federal actions put our community at risk, New York has a responsibility to step up. This legislation will ensure state and local resources are focused on serving our communities - not Donald Trump's political agenda - upholding New York law and protecting basic rights," Zellner said. "It sets clear standards so that local agencies are not pulled into federal deportation agendas that create fear and chaos, and it prioritizes public safety."
Zellner also understands that immigration is strictly under the purview of the federal government, and there's not much the state can do to prevent ICE from working in it. However, he knows the state has to push back every single way it can.
"What this bill is going to do is not give sensitive information," Zellner explained. "What I wanted to do is not ask the questions that could put us in a tough spot, as a state agency, to put somebody in the purview of ICE. It's going to make us a safer state. It's going to not cooperate in a sense that we're not going to ask those questions. There's no need to. They can focus on what they do, which is provide resources and support for our state residents, instead of being people who are conducting business and helping Donald Trump."
Supporters of the New York for All Act say the legislation is critical to setting clear boundaries between local services and federal immigration enforcement, ensuring state and local resources remain focused on serving New Yorkers while protecting due process and basic rights.