New York, NY— Earlier today, ICE agents in unmarked vehicles were present at a vehicle registration and inspection checkpoint conducted jointly by the Cohoes Police Department, Albany County Sheriff’s Department, and New York State Troopers in Cohoes, NY, resulting in up to two individuals being taken away by ICE.
Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition:
“It’s outrageous that state and local law enforcement would collude with ICE to separate New York families. Immigrant New Yorkers who followed orders to pull aside and offer up the required vehicle documentation were suddenly faced with the very real possibility of being ripped from their families. What should have been a simple vehicle inspection event turned into one that will cause fear and uncertainty for immigrants across the state, who will now have to second guess every interaction they have with local law enforcement. If New York really wants to prioritize and uphold its own public safety and ensure that all New Yorkers feel safe interacting with our local law enforcement, we must pass the New York for All bill now and end our collusion with ICE.”