Albany, NY – Today, Governor Hochul announced three bills against ICE. 

State Senator Julia Salazar, Senate sponsor of Dignity Not Detention, released the following in response: 

“Governor Hochul announced three legislative proposals that would establish New York as a national leader in combatting the grotesque violence carried out by ICE across the country, including the murders committed by ICE agents in Minneapolis. Today’s announcement would not be possible without the relentless efforts by everyday New Yorkers, advocates, and fellow lawmakers. I am in full support of these proposals and will work with the Governor to ensure they are enacted as quickly as possible.” 

“These proposals would: 

1. Ban any agreement between ICE and local governments, local law enforcement agencies, or state law enforcement agencies, including prohibiting any agreements by which correctional facilities in New York could be used for ICE detention. This would also ban all existing contracts. This proposal delivers on my bill, Dignity Not Detention. As I have said for years, New York’s correctional facilities should never be used as detention centers for New Yorkers kidnapped by ICE. This shameful practice has led to too many people being subjected to inhuman conditions in facilities throughout out our state. This must end. Under the Governor’s proposal, it will. 

    

2. “Establish a private right of action, giving New Yorkers the right to sue federal officials, including ICE officers, for violations of constitutionally protected rights. 

    

3. “Establish locations that ICE agents will not be permitted to enter for immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant, including schools, youth facilities, healthcare facilities, housing accommodations, and houses of worship.” 

“While there is more work to do, including the comprehensive passage of New York for All, today’s news is a substantial step toward protecting our immigrant communities.”