May 23, 2026
FROM ASSEMBLYMAN PHIL PALMESANO: Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning), the ranking member of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, reacts to Assembly passage of the Public Protection and General Government Budget Bill. Included in this bill was a massive immigration package that will hinder law enforcement’s ability to enforce immigration laws and result in state overreach usurping home rule and local control. Specifically, the bill does the following:
- Bans local governments from entering into or remaining in any 287(g) contract that allows participation in immigration enforcement, as well as agreements on detaining individuals for immigration violations.
- Bans any state employee from working with federal immigration authorities.
- Bans law enforcement officers from wearing face coverings while performing their duties.
- Allow individuals to sue federal law enforcement officers.
Palmesano says this is just another example of Albany Democrats putting the interests of individuals who entered the country illegally, including dangerous criminals, over the interests of public safety. “The number one priority of government is to protect and ensure its citizens are safe. This legislation does not do that. In fact, this will make them less safe. We have already experienced a devastating migrant influx and crisis across New York, that cost taxpayers more than $13 billion due to dangerous and failing sanctuary policies. This bill will just set us up for more failures in the future and demonstrates Albany Democrats have not learned from the mistakes of the past. Handcuffing our sheriffs and local law enforcement agencies by not allowing them to work with our federal partners is insanity. This is just massive overreach by the state; local municipalities deserve to decide what steps they need to take to protect their communities, not liberal politicians. Time and time again, Albany Democrats advance policies that choose the interests of criminals over public safety, law and order, crime victims, their families, and the men and women of law enforcement; it needs to stop,” said Palmesano.
FROM ASSEMBLYMAN JOE SEMPOLINSKI:
“This is a case of massive overreach by Albany Democrats and it’s yet another example of Albany thinking they know better than the rest of us. Local municipalities, and local officials know how to best protect their communities, they don’t need someone elected to represent New York City telling them how to do their jobs. Having local law enforcement involved in the enforcement of immigration law keeps everyone safe, both the general public and those whom the law is being enforced upon. This will make our communities less safe by making it impossible for local law enforcement to coordinate efforts with federal immigration enforcement officers. I support those who have chosen to come to our country while following our laws,” Assemblyman Sempolinski said.
