Niagara Leader

Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt joined local officials and police advocacy groups in Rochester to express support for the Rochester Police Department (RPD) officers who assisted Border Patrol agents in an emergency. This gathering followed criticism from Rochester Mayor Malik Evans. The Mayor's office had previously issued an internal reprimand for RPD officers who aided Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents and announced an investigation with a focus on preventing RPD officers from assisting federal law enforcement in the future.

Rob Ortt highlighted a broader issue, criticizing city leadership's decision as aligning with what he described as "left-wing, criminal-coddling executives" that fail to prioritize community safety. Ortt stated, "Democrat electeds have proven time and again they favor the health and well-being of criminals over that of our law enforcement officers." He stressed the importance of law enforcement being able to fulfill their duty without political interference.

Steve Brew, Monroe County Republican Conference Leader, supported this view, commending the RPD's quick response to fellow officers in distress. Brew pointed out the risk of demoralizing police by threatening disciplinary actions, adding, "The Republican Conference of the Monroe County Legislature stands firmly with the brave men and women of the RPD."

Kevin Leckinger from the Rochester Police Locust Club commented on the political aspects involved in law enforcement, emphasizing that the officers acted within the law and with community safety in mind. "This incident shines an unfortunate light on the creep of politics into the arena of law enforcement," Leckinger said, defending the officers' actions.

Two legislative bills remain pending in committee, which could ease restrictions on police operations. Laken’s Law Senate Bill S.2538 seeks to override a previous executive order limiting cooperation with federal agencies like ICE concerning suspected illegal immigrants. Repeal the Green Light Law Senate Bill S.1427 aims to dismantle restrictions that prevent cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in addressing illegal border activity.