New York Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt Backs Police Officers, Pushes to Repeal Sanctuary Laws

Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt, along with local elected leaders and police advocacy groups, gathered this past week in Rochester to commend law enforcement officers for assisting Border Patrol agents during an emergency request, following condemnation from Rochester city leadership.

Earlier in the week, Mayor Malik Evans issued a department-wide email reprimanding officers of the Rochester Police Department (RPD) for their involvement in aiding the U.S. Border Patrol. The mayor also announced an investigation into these officers, alongside plans for further training to ensure compliance with directives that prohibit assisting federal law enforcement. The mayor’s actions, which have sparked heated debate, come at a time when law enforcement in New York State is increasingly caught in the crossfire of polarized political battles.

Senator Ortt sharply criticized the mayor’s stance, saying, “Democrat elected officials have shown time and again that they prioritize the well-being of criminals over the safety of our law enforcement officers. These brave men and women swear an oath to uphold the Constitution and protect their fellow officers. To condemn them for doing their job in support of federal law enforcement is abhorrent and sets a dangerous precedent that jeopardizes public safety.”

At the press conference, Ortt emphasized the state’s responsibility to support law enforcement, especially when federal officers are in distress. “My conference has always stood behind law enforcement, which is why we have introduced a package of bills to repeal New York’s misguided sanctuary policies and ensure police have the tools they need to protect our communities,” he added.

Monroe County Republican Conference Leader Steve Brew also voiced strong support for the officers, stating, “Law enforcement officers don’t stop to think about politics when someone — especially fellow officers — calls for help. They respond. That’s exactly what the Rochester Police Department did, and they should be applauded for it. It’s shameful and dangerous for Democrat officials to condemn and threaten police officers for doing the right thing.”

Kevin Leckinger, representing the Rochester Police Locust Club, echoed Brew’s sentiments, thanking Ortt and other local leaders for their support. “This incident highlights the growing political interference in law enforcement. Our members acted to uphold public safety — not political agendas. We stand behind the actions of our officers, who are committed to keeping our community safe.”

However, opponents of repealing sanctuary laws argue that such actions could undermine public safety and community trust. Critics assert that removing sanctuary protections may cause immigrant communities to fear law enforcement, deterring them from reporting crimes or cooperating with police, which could hinder investigations and compromise public safety. Additionally, some worry about the potential legal and ethical implications of such changes, suggesting that they might conflict with existing state laws or create difficult ethical dilemmas. Humanitarian concerns also arise, with opponents emphasizing that repealing sanctuary laws could negatively affect vulnerable populations, such as refugees and asylum seekers, potentially exposing them to deportation and family separation.

Ortt also discussed two key pieces of legislation currently stuck in committee that could significantly impact how law enforcement operates in New York. The first, Laken’s Law (S.2538), seeks to override a 2017 executive order from former Governor Andrew Cuomo that has made it difficult for state and local law enforcement to cooperate with federal agencies like ICE in addressing illegal immigration. The second, the Repeal the Green Light Law (S.1427), aims to rescind a law that prevents coordination between various levels of law enforcement in tackling illegal northern border crossings.

Ortt and other Republican leaders are pushing for the passage of these bills to restore law enforcement cooperation and ensure public safety is prioritized over political posturing.

As the debate continues to unfold, the support for law enforcement from local officials and police advocacy groups highlights the growing tension between public safety and political agendas. The actions of the RPD in assisting Border Patrol agents, while controversial in some circles, serve as a reminder of the crucial role that law enforcement plays in protecting communities across the state.

The legislation proposed by Ortt and his colleagues remains under review, with a growing call from local leaders for the state to strengthen support for those on the front lines of law enforcement.