Nassau County Turns Its Back On Immigrant Neighbors With 287(g) Agreement

New York, NY—Today, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman announced its agreement with the Trump administration to participate in the 287(g) program, in which Nassau County Police will be deputized to conduct federal immigration enforcement.

Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition:

“Immigrants are a vital part of Long Island’s economic life— making up nearly one third of Nassau County’s workforce and one third of its small business owners, and contributing to the $3.1 billion paid annually by New York’s immigrants in state and local taxes. But instead of working for an inclusive Nassau County that prioritizes the safety of every resident, County Executive Bruce Blakeman is unnecessarily sowing fear and division amongst our immigrant neighbors and degrading the safety of every Long Islander. Not only does Nassau County’s adoption of the 287(g) program undermine public safety and exhaust local resources, deploying local law enforcement to serve as immigration enforcement agents reduces trust in the police and deters immigrants – such as domestic violence survivors –  from coming forward when they are the victims of crime. This policy also enables harmful racial profiling practices that often put Black and Brown people at risk, including US citizens. This makes us all less safe. Blakeman’s attack on Long Island’s immigrant communities is a stark reminder of what’s at stake for all New Yorkers when we allow our local enforcement to collude with ICE. Albany must pass New York For All this year – to keep New York’s state and local resources from fueling Trump and ICE’s cruel agenda, and to ensure the safety of every New York family.”