Niagara Leader

Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt and Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, along with members of the Senate and Assembly Minority Conferences, gathered at the State Capitol with United States "Border Czar" Tom Homan to discuss border security and criticize New York's sanctuary policies.

Director Homan joined the minority leaders to advocate for state legislation aimed at improving cooperation between local, state, and federal immigration authorities. This includes bolstering security measures at the northern border. "Laken’s Law" (S.2538/A.2262), sponsored by Senate Minority Deputy Leader Andrew Lanza and Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo, seeks to restore collaboration between New York courts, law enforcement, and federal immigration authorities when dealing with illegal immigrants.

Senator Dan Stec and Assemblyman Scott Gray are promoting legislation (S.1427/A.1528) to repeal the "Green Light Law." This law allows illegal immigrants to obtain driver's licenses while limiting information sharing between state and federal authorities. Stec also sponsors a bill for a full statewide repeal of the Green Light Law (S.3489).

"The migrant crisis has raged out of control in New York as a direct result of open border and sanctuary policies enacted by the Senate Majority," said Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt. He praised Border Czar Tom Homan's efforts in securing borders and urged action against policies that restrict law enforcement cooperation with federal agencies.

Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay emphasized public safety over partisan politics: "For years, we have been calling for stronger protections for our citizens surrounding the dangers posed by illegal migrants only to face opposition from the Majority."

Deputy Senate Minority Leader Andrew Lanza criticized New York's sanctuary policies as disastrous, praising President Trump for addressing these issues: "There is a certain poetry that a native New Yorker, President Trump, is fixing what leftist Democrat New Yorkers broke."

Assemblyman Jarret Gandolfo highlighted the tragic murder of Laken Riley as an example of weak border policies' dangers: "The Trump Administration has made great strides on border security... Now, it’s New York’s turn to step up."

Senator Dan Stec expressed concerns about Northern Border security under current policies: "The Green Light Law... has handcuffed local law enforcement... Communities along the Northern Border have become safe havens for violent criminal behavior."

Assemblyman Scott Gray underscored the importance of holding criminals accountable: "Law and order are indispensable for a functioning society... Tying the hands of law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities senselessly puts everyone at risk."