Local Electeds and Advocates Demand that State Legislature Stop Allowing ICE to Terrorize New Yorkers
PRESS RELEASE
April 18, 2025
Contact: press@socialists.nyc
Photos & video available upon request.
Local Electeds and Advocates Demand that State Legislature Stop Allowing ICE to Terrorize New Yorkers
NEW YORK, N.Y. – On Friday April 18, 2025, New York State and Municipal leaders joined grassroots organizations at a NYC-DSA press conference to call on New York Governor Kathy Hochul to pass NY for All and Dignity Not Detention, two bills that would ensure the protection of first amendment rights for all New Yorkers. From students detained for protesting to end the genocide in Palestine to teenagers swept up in ICE raids, no New Yorker should live in terror of being kidnapped by ICE.
The abductions of Palestinian Columbia University Students Mahmoud Khalil and Mohsen Mahdawi, the disappearing of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia and Merwil Gutiérrez, a teenager, are just a few examples of President Trump’s escalation of violence against immigrants, advocates for justice, and those who publicly dissent in response to his authoritarian policies. “There is no reason for legal permanent residents to be targeted in this way, other than being an attempt by our federal administration to incite suppressive fear amongst the most vulnerable New Yorkers,” Council Member Alexa Avilés said. “New York City has long-standing laws that protect city agencies from colluding with ICE and it’s crucial that our State follow suit in protecting its immigrant communities.”
The New York State Government has the power to stand up for immigrants, academic freedom, and first amendment rights for all New Yorkers but Governor Hochul continues to stand in the way as she drags out the state budget process and further delays the legislative session. Instead of wasting time trying to fit unpopular items like a mask ban into an already delayed budget, Governor Hochul could lead the nation when it comes to defending the basic first amendment rights of her constituents.
New York For All is, for all intents and purposes, a sanctuary bill. If passed, it would prohibit all state and local government agencies, including police, sheriffs, courts and benefit agencies from cooperating with ICE. The bill also prohibits any state or local resources from being used for ICE operations.
“Donald Trump and ICE are abducting, harassing, and terrorizing our people—and the state of New York is letting it happen. This isn’t about legal immigration or our national security, as ICE tries to claim. It’s about decimating our first amendment rights, silencing legitimate dissent, and targeting people of color,” said State Senator Julia Salazar. “I’m calling on my colleagues in Albany and on Governor Hochul to pass New York for All and Dignity Not Detention, two bills that would help thwart ICE’s efforts to enlist us in their disgraceful misconduct. We have a moral obligation to act quickly, before they make more of our friends and family members disappear.”
“ICE is sowing fear and chaos in our communities and New York State leaders must do everything they can to stop it,” said Jeanny Hernandez, a member of Make The Road Action. “We need to pass New York for All and Dignity Not Detention now, and send a message that New York supports immigrant communities.”
State Assembly Member and Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani joined the press conference to express his firm support for New York For All. “Donald Trump is waging a war on New Yorkers, detaining and disappearing fathers without reason or remorse, and upending our city all while Eric Adams keeps watch,” Mamdani said. “With such a destructive administration at the helm, New York City deserves a mayor who will fight back and stand up for them, not treat them like pawns in a political game.”
Audio/visuals available upon request
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ABOUT NYC-DSA: New York City Democratic Socialists is the local chapter of Democratic Socialists of America—the largest socialist organization in the United States with over 85,000 members. NYC-DSA is run by its 8,000+ members and activists who are working together to build a democratic socialist organization in the five boroughs.