“When agents of the federal government operate like masked militias, abducting our neighbors off the street and violating fundamental Constitutional rights, we’ve crossed a dangerous line by turning immigration enforcement into a paramilitary force that should shock the nation’s collective conscience.

 

As sponsors of the MELT Act, we contend that New York State is well within its rights to protect and maintain public safety, a power expressly delegated to states under the U.S. Constitution, including the authority to prevent ICE agents from concealing their identities during civil immigration enforcement. Masking by ICE agents and concealment of their identities goes beyond legitimate immigration enforcement; it’s intimidation, and it echoes authoritarian regimes, not the United States of America.

 

Perhaps most troubling is the undermining of local law enforcement, who have spent years building community trust and relationships here in New York State to improve accountability and transparency. When masked and unaccountable ICE agents instill fear in our communities, trust in state and local law enforcement suffers.

 

When we win in court, ICE’s tactics and the fear they create in our communities will find no home in New York State.”

 

###