Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The fatal shootings of Alex Peretti and Renee Good, coupled with other reports of violent activity by federal ICE agents became an unfortunate line in the sand for Buffalo Mayor Sean Ryan.
In his first mayoral executive order, Ryan is prohibiting any city employee from aiding or otherwise assisting any federal agency from civil immigration enforcement.
"The videos are disturbing," Ryan said. "None of this is making our country any better."
The city ban is only for civil immigration enforcement issues. Criminal matters, if accompanied by a properly issued judicial warrants, will be honored.
While Buffalo has not seen any violent action from ICE, or other federal agencies, it has seen agents remove workers from roof repair jobs and employees from city restaurants.
Ryan said his order should make it clear that all citizens can approach any city agency and not have a fear of information being passed along to ICE.
"This is all about trust," Ryan said. "I want to make people feel secure and know they can call the (Buffalo) police without any retribution, or they can come to city hall and get a dog license without any fear."
Ryan acknowledges his order may turn a federal spotlight on Buffalo, much like what has happened in such cities as Chicago, Portland and Minneapolis and with that, it may bring a wave of ICE enforcement officers into the city.
It is a risk, but the big picture - to Ryan - is fostering a sense that Buffalo is a welcoming city.
"If anything, I want people to feel secure," Ryan said.
Ryan's support of "New Americans" is not a new stance. Even before entering politics and then using his clout in Albany, the mayor has been a strong supporter of immigrants.
As a State Senator, Ryan - along with Assemblyman Jon Rivera - helped secure more than $30 million in funds from Albany that aided local new immigrants.
"What is happening now [in Washington] is having a chilling effect on all 'New Americans'," Ryan said.