As federal deportation threats escalate, advocates urge Albany to protect immigrant communities statewide.
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Albany, NY—Today, the New York for All Coalition, allies, elected officials, and immigrant New Yorkers, rallied at the New York State Capitol, urging passage of the New York for All Act (A3506B/S2235B) for the 2026 New York State Legislative Session.
The New York for All Act would establish clear limits between state and local agencies and federal immigration enforcement, protecting access to essential services and ensuring immigrants—regardless of status— can live and work without fear. The legislation also prevents both formal and informal collusion with federal immigration authorities and prohibits the use of state and local resources and taxpayer dollars to advance federal immigration crackdowns. While Governor Hochul recently introduced the “Local Cops, Local Crimes Act”, her proposal would only ban formal 287(g) agreements between local law enforcement and ICE, and those protections would expire after three years. New Yorkers should not have to rely on temporary protections or legislation with expiration dates. Amid escalating federal hostility toward immigrant communities, advocates and lawmakers will call on New York to take decisive action to safeguard its residents and uphold its values.
Supporters say the legislation is critical as federal immigration enforcement intensifies. By passing the New York for All Act, lawmakers would protect immigrant families from both formal and informal collusion, preserve community trust, and ensure taxpayer dollars are used to serve New Yorkers, not advance federal crackdowns.
“New York cannot and will not be an arm of a cruel federal deportation machine,” said Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition. “We refuse to let our local police be weaponized against immigrant families and New York communities. At a moment when ICE is terrorizing and killing people across the country, Albany must act with courage to ensure the public safety of all New Yorkers. Passing New York for All is a moral imperative to protect our neighbors, defend our values, and make clear that in New York, we stand for dignity and justice for all.”
"This moment poses a simple question to all of us: do we want a New York that's truly safe, welcoming, and free for all? Or are we going to sacrifice our rights and values at the altar of fear? I know my answer," said State Senator Andrew Gounardes, District 26. "New Yorkers of all backgrounds want policies that make our state safer and more affordable, not a masked authoritarian force that roams the streets and tears apart families. My 'New York for All' Act builds trust between communities and the local government agencies that serve them—the real key to public safety. It's past time to pass this bill and make it unequivocally clear: New York stands with our immigrant neighbors, and New York is for all of us."
“For far too long, ICE has relied on the collusion of law enforcement to scrutinize our essential hard-working immigrant communities of color. We must pass the New York for All Act to prevent ICE from using our local resources to wrongfully place people into their custody, separate families, and deport fellow New Yorkers. Our immigrant communities are over-policed and racially profiled to continue having a predatory federal agency prowling the streets. It's long overdue to pass this bill. New Yorkers can't afford to wait any longer. New York for All must pass now,” said Assemblymember Karines Reyes, District 87.
"New York has always been a place where people from all over the world can live, work, and raise their families without fear, no matter where they were born. The New York for All Act will ensure our state and local resources are used to keep communities safe, not to carry out a cruel federal deportation agenda that separates families without due process,” said State Senator John Liu, District 16
“A government worthy of its people does not deputize itself into injustice. We are in a crucial phase of this fight — and neutrality is not an option,” said State Senator Robert Jackson. “When parents fear a traffic stop, when children fear school attendance, when workers fear the job site, democracy itself is diminished. The New York for All Act restores a basic principle: state and local resources exist to serve our communities, not to carry out a federal deportation machine. We will not allow our tax dollars to divide families or erode trust in public institutions. New York must not echo cruelty — we must reject it in law,” said State Senator Robert Jackson, District 31.
“Under Trump, ICE has made violence and cruelty its top priority, subverting the very purpose of law enforcement, which is meant to serve and protect. Passing New York For All is urgent to keep New Yorkers with their families, rooted in their communities, and living with the safety and dignity that they deserve,” said State Senator Michelle Hinchey, District 41.
"ICE's continued reign of terror in our streets across the country underscores one thing; the Constitutional rights afforded to every person on American soil are under attack from this federal government," said Senator Patricia Fahy (D—Albany). "New York State has an opportunity to meet this critical moment, protect its immigrant communities, and limit ICE's overreach by passing the New York For All Act this session. As we seek to restore the rule of law on our streets, it's key that New York use every tool in its arsenal to reign in an out of control and increasingly authoritarian Trump administration,” said State Senator Pat Fahy, District 46.
“New York is for immigrants. New York is for people of all backgrounds. New York is for all. This is the year to get this passed, make it clear that our state will not partake in the abhorrent witch hunts being conducted by ICE, and to keep our state safe for every single New Yorker,” said State Senator Jeremy Cooney, District 56.
"No one should fear deportation while going to school, going to the doctor, or seeking basic government services. As violence against immigrant communities intensifies nationwide, we have a responsibility to act. We must pass the New York for All Act now," said State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, District 59
“Across Long Island and throughout New York State, we have witnessed the real harm caused when ICE terrorizes immigrant families and when local actors choose to aid federal immigration enforcement instead of protecting their communities. This collaboration erodes public trust, undermines public safety, and leaves families living in fear. As a former police officer, I know that community trust is essential to ensuring safety and quality of life for everyone. Municipalities should not be acting as extensions of federal immigration enforcement. The New York for All Act establishes clear, commonsense boundaries that protect families, preserve local resources, and strengthen public safety. The time to act is now, we must pass The New York for All Act,” said Assemblymember Phil Ramos, District 6.
“New York cannot — and will not — play any part in carrying out this administration’s unlawful, anti-immigration agenda. New York for All is critical in that respect. It reiterates that our institutions exist to help New Yorkers — not advance federal policies that tear families apart and hurt our constituents — and makes sure our enforceable checks on federal powers are bolstered and upheld. I am extremely grateful to my colleagues Assemblymember Reyes and Senator Gounardes, as well as to the New York Immigration Coalition, for their leadership and ceaseless advocacy,” said Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi, District 28.
New Yorkers are sick and tired of having to look over their shoulders or the shoulders of their neighbors to see if tyrannical I.C.E. agents are standing by to separate families and tear lives apart because of pending citizenship proceedings. We need to pass the New York For All Act to make sure children, families, and workers feel safe in pursuing the American Dream, instead of dreading that each day could turn into a dystopian nightmare,” said Assemblymember Khaleel Anderson, District 31.
“For too long, immigrant New Yorkers have been forced to live in fear that everyday interactions—going to school, seeking healthcare, or showing up for work—could lead to detention or deportation. That fear erodes trust, separates families, and makes our communities less safe for everyone. The NY4All Act is a necessary step to ensure that state and local resources are used to serve our communities—not to advance a cruel and politicized federal immigration agenda. New York must pass NY4All to protect immigrant families, restore trust in public institutions, and ensure that everyone, regardless of immigration status, can live with dignity and safety,” said Assemblymember Jessica González-Rojas, District 34
"Across the 43rd Assembly District in Central Brooklyn, we see every day what happens when people from every corner of the world are given the chance to contribute, build businesses, raise families, and call New York home. But that promise is under attack. When ICE raids tear families apart and local law enforcement is weaponized against our neighbors, everyone becomes less safe, immigrant and native-born alike. I am proud to cosponsor the New York for All Act to make clear that New York will not be complicit in any cruel deportation agenda. Our state resources should protect New Yorkers, not be used against them,” said Assemblymember Brian Cunningham, District 43.
“The New York For All Act is more than legislation — it’s a statement of who we are as New Yorkers. Immigrant families are the backbone of our communities, contributing to the economy, culture, and the very fabric of everyday life in this state. Yet too many live in fear that a routine interaction with police could lead to detention, family separation, or deportation. This bill would stop state and local resources from being used to carry out a cruel federal deportation agenda and ensure that everyone can live, work, and thrive without fear. Our state has the power to protect dignity, strengthen safety, and uphold our shared values — and we must act now to make New York truly for all,” said Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes, District 51.
“The New York for All Act is how we draw a clear line between New York’s values and the Federal Government's campaign of fear and division. We will not allow our state and local resources to be weaponized to carry out cruel deportations that tear families and communities apart. It is time for New York to act with urgency. I am deeply grateful to the advocates and partners who are working tirelessly every day to stand up for our immigrant neighbors,” said Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon, District 52.
“As the proud daughter of immigrants I know that immigration is is our state’s strength, not its weakness. While Donald Trump and Republicans in Washington attack our neighbors, we will always fight to protect our immigrant communities and ensure that every family can live with dignity and without fear. Thank you to Senator Gounardes and Assemblymember Reyes for leading this bill and to the coalition of advocates fighting to protect immigrant New Yorkers. I join them in calling for the immediate passage of New York For All,” said Assemblymember Grace Lee, District 65.
"Shooting protesters, detaining children and forcing communities to live in fear will never make us safer. Now is the time for New York State to take a stand against ICE's outright cruelty. New Yorkers are horrified by what they're seeing play out in other cities and we have a responsibility to ensure that it does not happen here. Passage of New York for All will guarantee that our state's own resources are not used to help Donald Trump and his federal thugs carry out a reckless and barbaric agenda,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, District 67.
“We must use state law and state power, in every way we can, to protect New York’s immigrant communities. Passing New York for All is critical to those efforts. No one is safer when our neighbors are afraid to go to work. No one is healthier when families are afraid to seek medical care. No one is better off when children are afraid to go to school. Fear does not strengthen our communities — it undermines them. I am committed to continuing the fight to pass this legislation and stand up for our neighbors,” said Assemblymember Micah Lasher, District 69.
“By passing the New York for All Act, we are drawing a clear line: our local tax dollars and police resources belong to our communities, not to a hostile, rogue, over-militarized federal agency. In such a dangerous time in American history, urgent action is needed, and passing New York for All is the minimum immigrant communities in New York can expect from the legislature,” said Assemblymember Alex Bores, District 73.
“The recent murders in Minnesota, the regular brutality by federal agents across the country, and the lack of conduct of behavior by these officers that is required of state and local law enforcement professionals all underscore that we need to limit cooperation with these units. Our focus should be on protecting our communities from crime, not enabling or assisting outlaw federal units,” said Assemblyman Otis, District 91.
"We need New York For All because the Trump-Vance administration cannot be permitted to ignore the constitution and violate our rights. As a state, New York must step up and protect all of its residents by refusing to participate in any aspect of immigration enforcement in the absence of valid judicial warrants. ICE and CBP cannot continue running around like a rogue paramilitary force, abusing and killing immigrants and citizens alike. By passing this legislation, we are simply asking the federal government to behave lawfully, and telling them that we will not be complicit in illegal actions against our residents. It is truly as simple as that," said Assemblymember Dana Levenberg, District 95.
“Like so many of my constituents, I am appalled by the rogue actions of ICE across the country, the recent activity in the Hudson Valley, and the fear and uncertainty it has caused,” said Assemblymember Didi Barrett. “I am committed to ensuring that local law enforcement will not be asked to enforce abusive federal immigration orders – it’s time to pass New York For All now,” said Assemblymember Didi Barrett, District 106.
“New York is strongest when every family can live with dignity and without fear. The New York for All Act ensures that our state and local resources are focused on strengthening our communities, not dividing them. Immigrant New Yorkers are vital members of our neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools. I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation because protecting families and upholding fundamental rights reflects the very best of who we are as a state,” said Assemblymember Pamela Hunter, District 128.
“What we are seeing being conducted by Federal agencies is totally contrary to the rights of due process afforded to everyone in this country. The New York For All Act is essential,” said Assembly Member William Magnerelli, District 129.
“New York State history has always been defined by vibrant and hard-working immigrant communities. We are stronger when we protect and welcome, not target, those who call our state home. In a moment of unprecedented aggression from the federal government, it is our responsibility to stand up for the dignity, safety, and fundamental rights of everyone.. The New York For All Act is about ensuring New York remains a place where families can live, work, and contribute without fear of authoritarian targeting from the federal administration. Now is the time to reaffirm our values, strengthen trust between communities and government, and make our state safer and more just for everyone,” said Assemblymember Sarah Clark, District 136.
“Governor Hochul and the legislature must decide if they want to lead a New York for Local Cops and Local Crimes, a New York for Some, or a New York for All. The Governor’s commitment to collude with ICE whenever they label someone a criminal is a dangerous capitulation to Trump’s ethnic cleansing campaign and slap in the face to due process. Immigrants, advocates, faith leaders and unions are demanding New York for All and we will accept nothing less,” said Bryan MacCormack, Co-Executive Director, Columbia County Sanctuary Movement.
“While several other states have passed statewide protections to protect immigrant families against the collusion between law enforcement and ICE, New York has yet to take any action. The police-to-deportation pipeline disproportionately impacts Black and brown communities who face the brunt of ICE’s racist policing. The New York for All Act remains the strongest piece of legislation that would end our state’s complicity in the disappearance of New Yorkers, the separation of families, and the state-sanctioned violence being carried out by the Trump administration. New Yorkers deserve and need the full and permanent protections provided by New York for All now—anything less would be a betrayal to our communities,” said Linda Flor Brito, Senior Manager of Policy & Organizing, Immigrant Defense Project.
“To me, safety looks like students walking to school without fear, feeling comfortable inside our school, and being treated with respect. My school’s responsibility is to protect us and ensure that ICE agents are not allowed to come in and take my classmates away. I have to push myself to be focused in class despite these fears. Students should not have to choose between their education and their safety, and the longer that ICE exists, the more our friends and families are at risk. This is why we need the support of all New York state legislators. We’ve been waiting too long, and we want to make sure the New York for All Act reaches the governor’s desk. We need a New York that is safe for all, and we need it now,” said Joel, Youth Member, Make the Road New York.
“New York must draw a clear line: our state and local resources must not be used to advance a federal crackdown that cruelly separates families and destabilizes communities. The New York for All Act would deliver comprehensive and lasting statewide protections to end collaboration with ICE and ensure public resources serve New Yorkers, not a cruel deportation machine. At a moment of escalating fear and uncertainty, Albany must act decisively to end federal entanglement, strengthen community trust, and ensure the safety of all New Yorkers,” said Kelsey Pirnak, Advocacy Manager, Vera Institute of Justice’s Advancing Universal Representation Initiative.