ALBANY – Assemblyman Clifford W. Crouch (R-Bainbridge) released a statement yesterday, February 6, comprising his beliefs in regards to the extensive immigration package that was considered by the Assembly.
“The bills that were brought to the floor today definitely raise some concern for me,” said Assemblyman Crouch. “The idea of sanctuary cities throughout the state harboring illegal immigrants against the orders of the federal government could be a serious national security issue.”
Last week, City of Ithaca Mayor Svante Myrick presented the Ithaca Common Council with an ordinance that would move to designate Ithaca as a sanctuary city.
Myrick prefaced the announcement of the ordinance by accusing President Trump of aiming to divide the nation and targeting sanctuary cities in belief that people will turn in their neighbors to save themselves.
“I am asking our Council to pass this ordinance that will ensure that every one of our neighbors can feel safe to – among other things – contact the polices when they need help or have a tip that can help save a crime, without fear that they'll be detained and deported,” said Myrick.
“Because police all over the country agree, making people without documentation fear their local cops makes us all less safe. This ordinance is entirely legal – unlike Trump's executive orders. And if we need to, we'll prove it in court,” said Myrick.
Crouch has rigorously opposed the idea of sanctuary cities, stating, “The fact that we are granting clemency to people who are already here illegally shows blatant disregard for the rule of law. This is an attempt to shield illegals from being deported; again, this bill could raise some serious public safety issues.”
Crouch concluded his comments by stating, “I think we really need to be mindful of safety for our families, and I believe that some of these bills put our loved ones at risk.”
The Ithaca Common Council unanimously approved the sanctuary city ordinance last Wednesday, February 1.