New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York, supporting Rochester’s law that limits local involvement in federal immigration enforcement. The brief argues that such laws help protect public safety and uphold constitutional principles.
Attorney General James stated, “For years, these laws in Rochester and cities throughout New York have kept New Yorkers safe. The Trump administration’s attacks on immigrant communities are cruel and shameful. Rochester’s law is constitutional, and my office will continue to use every tool at our disposal to protect New Yorkers.”
Rochester enacted its so-called “sanctuary city” law in 1986 and updated it in 2017. The law restricts local or state agencies from participating in federal civil immigration enforcement but does not prevent cooperation with federal authorities on criminal matters. In April, the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a lawsuit against Rochester, claiming that the city’s policy is unconstitutional because it conflicts with federal law.
In her brief, Attorney General James contends that the Constitution allows states and their localities to control day-to-day public safety within their jurisdictions. She argues that the 10th amendment reserves police power for states and local governments.
The attorney general noted that policies like Rochester’s foster trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, encouraging crime reporting and access to essential services without fear of deportation. Research shows that when local police participate more in immigration enforcement, immigrants may avoid contact with authorities, making them more vulnerable to crime or exploitation. Studies also suggest that concerns about deportation can deter people from seeking necessary medical care.
James emphasized that requiring local officials to focus on federal immigration priorities could strain resources needed for addressing issues like gun violence. A former Rochester police chief said the city’s 2017 ordinance was designed to keep attention on community safety priorities rather than diverting resources elsewhere.
Attorney General James is asking the court to rule in favor of Rochester and uphold its sanctuary city policy.
She has previously joined coalitions defending legal protections for immigrants nationwide, including efforts supporting unaccompanied children’s legal services and challenging changes to parole programs affecting individuals from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. She has also worked with other attorneys general opposing certain federal immigration enforcement tactics and defending Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelan immigrants.
