Photo: PATRICK T. FALLON / AFP / Getty Images
The Onondaga County Legislature has officially condemned Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) tactics in a resolution passed on Tuesday (February 3).
The non-binding resolution, which passed along party lines with nine Democrats voting in favor and seven Republicans opposing, calls on local law enforcement agencies to limit their cooperation with federal immigration agents. The measure was introduced by 9th district legislator Nodesia Hernandez and expresses opposition to federal immigration enforcement operations.
The resolution cites concerns about racial profiling, warrantless arrests and detentions, and references recent deaths during federal operations in Minneapolis. It also notes that dozens of people in Central New York and Onondaga County have been arrested, detained, and deported by Department of Homeland Security agents, often without judicial warrants.
Republican legislators argued the motion was beyond the scope of local government authority. "We certainly share the sadness and frustration of recent events that include potentially avoidable losses of life, families being separated and all kinds of other things, but it has nothing to do with the scope of authority of this Legislature," said Minority Leader Brian May.
Democrats defended the resolution as necessary to protect constituents. "I am no longer confident that my constituents can physically survive an encounter with federal law enforcement as they are acting in Minnesota," said 6th District Legislator Gregg Eriksen.
The vote comes amid growing tensions over immigration enforcement nationwide. In January, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon published a letter clarifying that he has not directed county employees to support or engage with ICE beyond what is required by New York state law.
Meanwhile, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey recently signed an executive order banning new immigration enforcement agreements and prohibiting ICE from making civil arrests in non-public areas of state facilities. She also filed legislation to keep ICE out of courthouses, schools, hospitals, and churches.
The Onondaga County resolution reflects the growing national debate over the role of local governments in immigration enforcement and the tactics used by federal agencies.