Ithaca, NY – Today Assembly Member Anna Kelles responded to the fact that in the last few days local law enforcement and elected officials have been the subject of unfounded claims by the federal administration of acting against the law. The Ithaca legislator stated that the inflammatory false accusations are dangerous and irresponsible. The Constitution of the United States is unambiguous in ensuring the balance of powers between the states and the federal government. She noted that the Tenth Amendment specifically prohibits the federal government from commandeering state resources or compelling state and local officials to enforce federal law, including immigration enforcement. Local and state governments have the exclusive authority to manage their own resources to implement local and state laws. The notion that the federal government can mandate compliance with immigration initiatives is a misinterpretation of the Supremacy Clause and courts have consistently upheld that states cannot be forced into such roles. Requests from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are by law voluntary, and local jurisdictions are not obligated to comply.

“The intentional misinformation spread by the current federal administration highlights their targeted actions against the entire immigrant community in our country” said Assembly Member Anna Kelles. “This community represents millions of people who collectively contribute to the economic and social wellbeing of our nation, including paying nearly a trillion dollars a year in taxes which, in turn, are used to provide the very government-funded services all our communities rely on. The use of propaganda and marketing tactics to create a common ‘enemy’ - trying to divide and foster an “us vs them” mentality - is an authoritarian tactic used throughout history.”

She went on to say that the mass deportation actions underway tear families and communities apart and negatively impact local economies. She urged her community to keep eyes wide open to the billions of dollars being spent with this distraction from the important work of ensuring that our housing, groceries, goods and services, education, childcare and healthcare are affordable and ensuring that our environment is protected for now and into the future.

It is crucial to the fabric of our society that local and state officials are protected from intimidation while carrying out the duties of their office. Legal precedents have made it clear: states have the right to prioritize the well-being of their residents over the political agenda of the federal administration.