As the New York State Senate wrapped up its legislative session on Thursday, advocates for immigrant rights intensified their calls for lawmakers to pass the New York for All Act before the Assembly adjourns on Tuesday, June 17.
This proposed legislation, along with other immigration-related bills, remains under consideration as time runs out in this year’s session.
Rosa Cohen-Cruz, the Director of Immigration Policy at The Bronx Defenders, emphasized the significance of this moment for immigrant communities in New York, stating, “They really needed the reassurance that any engagement with a state or local official wasn’t going to be the pipeline of their deportation and detention.”
Cohen-Cruz described the legislature’s current inaction as a “missed opportunity” to enhance trust between immigrant populations and state and local governments.
She reiterated that the New York for All Act is aimed at prohibiting local and state resources from being utilized in support of federal immigration enforcement aimed at individuals by agencies such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Key lawmakers from Queens, including State Senator Jessica Ramos and Assembly Members Catalina Cruz and Zohran Mamdani, have expressed their support for the bill, stressing the necessity to shield residents from federal encroachment given the borough’s substantial immigrant population.
Advocacy group Make the Road New York has emerged as a vigorous backer of the New York for All Act, organizing rallies and efforts to mobilize constituents to pressure lawmakers in Albany.
Supporters argue that local protections against ICE activities are essential in borough neighborhoods like Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, and Corona, where immigrants comprise a significant majority.
Recent judicial developments have also been seen positively by advocates, including a June ruling from New York Supreme Court Justice Mary Rosado.
The judge granted a preliminary injunction preventing ICE from establishing an office on Rikers Island and highlighted the importance of fostering trust with immigrant communities in her make-up of the decision.
The New York for All Act has garnered support from a diverse coalition, which includes public defenders, labor unions, immigrant rights organizations, and elected officials.
In a show of solidarity, nine members of New York’s Congressional delegation recently sent a joint letter to Governor Kathy Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, advocating for immediate action on the legislation.
Cohen-Cruz expressed that any delays in passing the bill would result in the accountability falling on leadership, stating, “Anytime that we see a community member picked up by ICE as a result of collusion with state or local actors, that’s going to be on leadership—for failing to do something when they had a chance.”
With the Assembly still in session, Cohen-Cruz remains hopeful that lawmakers can take charge and pass the measure before they recess for the summer.
She commended the legislators and advocates who have been working tirelessly for years to advance the bill and urged leadership to “do the right thing.”
Cohen-Cruz indicated a desire for continued momentum, declaring, “I hope we can continue that momentum. No matter what happens. And continue working together to get this passed as soon as possible—whether it’s a special session, or as early as possible next year.”
Additionally, Cohen-Cruz highlighted the consistent pattern of collaboration between local agencies and federal immigration authorities.
She cited past instances where the New York Police Department and other city agencies shared information or worked alongside ICE often without proper oversight.
In response to concerns about such cooperative efforts, the New York City Council is currently contemplating the NYC TRUST Act, introduced by Council Member Shahana Hanif.
This initiative would empower individuals to sue city agencies for damages if their rights are violated due to unlawful partnerships with immigration enforcement.
As of June, the NYC TRUST Act boasts the support of 30 co-sponsors.
Amid escalating reports of enforcement actions, immigrant communities throughout the city remain vigilant.
In response, advocacy groups have been organizing “know your rights” workshops, aiming to educate residents about how to navigate situations involving ICE detentions at federal immigration courts and other public venues.
Cohen-Cruz noted that anxiety surrounding such workshops has surged since the Trump administration, referencing the Chinese-American Planning Council’s troubling referral for a criminal investigation after convening a rights seminar.
Former ICE acting director Tom Homan has publicly criticized these workshops, describing them as guidance on “how to escape arrest.”
Cohen-Cruz warned that the broader immigration enforcement strategy not only poses a direct threat to immigrant communities but also risks eroding constitutional protections for all Americans.
“Aside from the very real financial cost, there is also this larger cost,” she asserted.
“Of the fundamental values that have always been a part of this country—values of supposed fairness, access to justice, access to due process. The way that this administration is treating immigrants is as much an attack on those values as it is on immigrant communities. Ultimately, it’s an attack on all of us.”
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