On December 18, five Democratic legislators from New York joined a coalition of representatives of seven states to promote a legislative agenda that seeks to limit local cooperation with the federal immigration operations and strengthen the protection of civil rights.
During a joint press conference, officials denounced what they described as “secret police tactics” of the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, and presented a package ofbills aimed at strengthening the rule of law.
One of the central axes is End Illegal Tactics Act, MELTfrom state senator Patricia Fahy, who would prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing masks or costumes when they interact with the public, forcing them to Show your face and credentials.
The initiative provides exceptions for medical masksrescue teams or high-risk SWAT missions, but states that Violators will face misdemeanor charges, In an attempt to reinforce the transparency and citizen confidence in security forces.
Fahy maintained that the actions of masked agents has eroded public trustay described scenes of arrests in broad daylight day as an incompatible practice with a modern democracy, in statements offered when submitting the proposal.
Protection of schools and sensitive places
Another key project is the Protecting Our Schools Actwhich restricts access to ICE to educational facilities unless they have a valid court order, also requiring immediate notification to the parents if an arrest occurs on a campus.
The rule would also prevent schools from allocating funds or personnel to collaborate with the application of federal immigration lawspreventing directors or guards from having to decide on the legality of administrative orders, a task that would fall to legal advisors.
In the same line, the Proposal S4121 would expand protection to hospitalschurches, food banks and shelters, prohibiting civil arrests without a warrant within a radius of 300 meters, and enabling claims for damages against arrests considered illegal.
He Assemblyman Micah Lasher argued that residents should feel safe when going to the doctor or reporting crimes without fear of being arrested, highlighting thatThe presence of ICE in these spaces generates fear and social isolation.
Senator Zellnor Myrie also presented the New York Civil Rights Lawwhich would allow sue federal officialsstate or local for constitutional violations, including compensation for emotional distress and coverage of legal fees.
Finally, Andrew Gounardes defended his New York for All projectwhich would limit the use of public resources to collaborate with ICE and would require written consent before allowing interrogations, while the Republican Robert Smullen spoke out against considering these measures unnecessary in their district.