To the Western New York Peace Center's Victoria Ross, Mayor Sean Ryan's just-enacted executive order that prohibits all city employees from aiding ICE and other federal agents in connection with any form of civil immigration enforcement, is long over due.
"ICE is trashing the rule of law," Ross said.
But, Erie County Legislator Frank Todaro, who represents Lancaster but has real estate holdings in Buffalo, feels just the opposite.
Todaro calls the order, enacted on Jan. 26, as a political stunt.
"He doesn't speak for the majority," Todaro said.
Not so, Ryan counters.
Ryan said in the wake of two fatal shootings of U.S, citizens in Minneapolis by federal agents during protests concerns have been ratcheted up to new levels.
Ryan said the intent is build a level of trust between Buffalo City Hall and its residents - all residents, especially the wary "new Americans."
"People shouldn't be afraid to call the police or come to city hall to get a dog license," Ryan said.
ICE officials did not respond to a request for comment.
Under his order, no city employee - be it a firefighter or a department clerk - can provide ICE agents any information regarding a civil immigration action. Buffalo employees can provide information if it involves a criminal case and comes with a judicial warrant.
Ross said the two Minnesota shootings have become a tipping point - both locally and nationally.
"This government sponsored violence has got to stop," Ross said. "People are standing up for what is right."
ICE has raided several area businesses and work sites.
In November, they raided Aguacates Mexican restaurant on Elmwood and took four of its workers to a federal detention center in Batavia.
Last month, two roofers working on an Amherst house were also arrested and sent to the Batavia center.
"The rage of the people is growing," Ross said.
Todaro admits he is a critic of Ryan's executive order.
"He (Ryan) is absolutely obstructing the federal government," Todaro said. "I have some tenants who are very concerned about this new rule. A lot of them think, this is complete and utter nonsense."
Ryan, however, his motivation is simple: He wants Buffalo residents to know they can trust their city government.
"We are controlling what we can control," Ryan said. "I don't people to be afraid to come to Buffalo City Hall."