Lucas -
If President Trump thinks he has the legal authority to unilaterally transform state and local police officers into federal immigration enforcement agents, he's in for a surprise.
Last month, my office issued legal guidance to local governments that still applies today: state and local law enforcement agencies cannot and should not be forced to participate in Trump's destructive and ill-advised deportation policies.
Any attempt to bully local governments into abandoning policies that are proven to keep our cities safe is not only unconstitutional – it threatens everyone’s safety.
I am doing everything in my power to stand up to Trump's attempts to pressure our police forces to carry out his anti-immigrant executive orders. I hope you'll join me in opposing these un-American policies.
Effective policing depends on building and maintaining trust between individuals and the communities officers serve. President Trump's plans for mass deportation undermine that trust by placing his divisive political agenda over proven law enforcement strategies.
No one is better at keeping New York neighborhoods safe than the local law enforcement officials that do so every single day. I am proud that New York is leading the way in pursuing policies that respect our immigrant communities while advancing public safety.
I will continue to check President Trump's efforts to abuse his authority under federal immigration laws. Are you with me?
New York has a history of welcoming immigrants. Now more than ever, we must honor that legacy.
All my best,
Eric Schneiderman