Like so many others, I am horrified by the recent civilian deaths during encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Equally troubling has been the rush in some corners to discredit or vilify those who have lost their lives, rather than acknowledge the disturbing circumstances that led to such tragic outcomes. These incidents, and the aggressive tactics that too often accompany them, call to mind some of the most painful and discriminatory chapters in our history. We cannot ignore that history, and we cannot accept or sit idly by while the present echoes it.

Here in Western New York, our identity is inseparable from the story of immigration. Generations ago, families arrived through ports and across borders seeking opportunity, safety, and dignity. They built our neighborhoods, staffed our factories and farms, opened small businesses, and strengthened our civic institutions. The hostility now directed at immigrant communities is not only morally troubling, it stands in stark contrast to our region’s heritage and to our nation’s long-standing promise as a refuge for those striving for a better life. Anyone who can trace their ancestry to those once welcomed by the light of the Statue of Liberty should feel called to speak out against the scapegoating that has become commonplace today.

At the same time, it is clear that our immigration system is in need of serious, good-faith reform. The challenges we face are not solved by fear or force, but by fixing what is broken. That means addressing the significant backlog in immigration courts and modernizing outdated processes that leave families in limbo for years. It also means expanding and clarifying lawful pathways to citizenship and strengthening programs such as Temporary Protected Status so that those who are working and contributing have a clear route forward. Comprehensive reform must balance legal and economic logistics with compassion and humanitarianism. That work ultimately rests with Congress, and it must be undertaken with integrity rather than bluster and political theater.

Until those long-overdue conversations at the federal level result in meaningful action, states and localities have a responsibility to protect the safety and civil rights of their residents. In Albany, the New York State Legislature is considering several proposals designed to set clear boundaries on ICE activity within our communities, including the New York for All Act. This legislation seeks to ensure that state and local resources are not used to facilitate federal immigration enforcement. When families fear that any interaction with local law enforcement or government could lead to detention or deportation, they are less likely to report crimes, seek medical care, or even send children to school.

Additionally, Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act, which would reinforce the principle that local law enforcement should focus on addressing public safety concerns rather than be drawn into federal immigration operations. Our police departments are, and should remain, rooted in our communities. Clear lines of responsibility help ensure that public safety efforts remain effective, accountable, and consistent with constitutional protections.

I am encouraged that the Legislature is engaging thoughtfully with these issues. Robust debate and deliberation are essential to crafting policies that respect the rule of law while also safeguarding the rights and dignity of all New Yorkers. We can be a state that values both public safety and human decency - these are not mutually exclusive principles.

For individuals and families in Western New York seeking immigration-related legal services or assistance, the following organizations may be helpful:

• Western New York Law Center: 716-855-0203
• Jericho Road Community Health Center: 716-348-3000
• Center for Elder Law & Justice: 716-853-3087

As always, if you have questions about this or any other community issue, please do not hesitate to contact my office at McMahonK@nyassembly.gov or 716-634-1895.