Senate & Assembly Republicans joined in Capitol by 'Border Czar' Tom Homan to urge passage of 'Laken's Law,' repeal of 'Green Light Law"

Submitted by the Office of New York State Sen. Rob Ortt

New York State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay, along with members of the Senate and Assembly Republican conferences, were joined by U.S. “Border Czar” Tom Homan at the State Capitol to highlight the need for increased border security and the need to put an end to New York’s “misguided sanctuary policies.”

Homan joined the Republican conferences to highlight state legislation to restore cooperation between local and state agencies and federal immigration authorities, as well as enhancing security measures at the northern border.

“Laken’s Law” (S.2538/A.2262), sponsored by Senate Republican Deputy Leader Andrew Lanza and Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo, would restore cooperation between New York courts and law enforcement and federal immigration authorities when an illegal immigrant is arrested or detained.

Sen, Dan Stec and Assemblyman Scott Gray sponsor legislation (S.1427/A.1528) to repeal the “Green Light Law” to exempt counties that share a border with Canada from the provisions of the 2019 law that allows illegal immigrants to obtain a driver's license and restricted information sharing between state and federal authorities. Stec also carries legislation for a full repeal of the “Green Light Law” statewide (S.3489).

Ortt said, “The migrant crisis has raged out of control in New York as a direct result of open border and sanctuary policies enacted by Democrats at the state and federal levels. It’s refreshing to see the new administration taking definitive action to secure our borders and remove those here illegally who are making our communities less safe. It’s a great honor to be joined today by ‘Border Czar’ Tom Homan, to thank him for his efforts, and urge that New York finally take action to put an end to policies that tie the hands of our law enforcement agencies so they can fully cooperate with our federal counterparts.”

Barclay said, “This is a matter of public safety that should transcend partisan politics. There should be no debate. For years, we have been calling for stronger protections for our citizens surrounding the dangers posed by illegal migrants only to face opposition from Democrats. It’s common sense to secure our borders and restore full cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Anything less jeopardizes the safety of our communities.”

Lanza said, “New York's sanctuary policies have been an unmitigated disaster for the people of New York. There is a certain poetry that a native New Yorker, President Trump, is fixing what leftist Democrat New Yorkers broke.”

Gandolfo said, “The tragic murder of Laken Riley was preventable and exemplifies the dangers of weak border policies and sanctuary states like New York. The Trump administration has made great strides on border security, specifically passing the Laken Riley Act, that will prioritize the removal of criminal illegal migrants from our country. Now, it’s New York’s turn to step up and assist in the apprehension of these individuals as well. ‘Laken’s Law’ will put an end to the sanctuary state policies that caused the migrant crisis within our state and ensure a safer New York for all.”

Stec said, “I’ve seen firsthand how Gov. Hochul and Democrat leaders have undermined our security along the northern border through their dangerous and failing illegal immigration policies. The ‘Green Light Law’ passed and enacted by Democrats has handcuffed local law enforcement and prevented it from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. Because of it, communities along the northern border have become safe havens for violent, criminal behavior. I sponsor legislation that would repeal the ‘Green Light Law,’ and I’m proud to partner with President Trump’s ‘border czar,’ Tom Homan and Assemblyman Gray in calling for Gov. Hochul and Democrat leaders to pass my common-sense border security measure.”

Gray said, “Despite what Albany Democrats want you to believe, there is no drawback to holding criminals accountable. Law and order are indispensable for a functioning society. Right now, under Gov. Hochul’s soft-on-crime policies, our state is failing to protect New Yorkers. Laken Riley should not have been made an example of this. Tying the hands of law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities senselessly puts everyone at risk.”