Dear Rockland County Legislator,
As a longtime resident of New Hempstead, where I have raised my children in what has traditionally been a quiet, family-oriented community, I am writing to share my concerns regarding the proposed Safety and Dignity for All Act.
I understand and respect the goal of protecting dignity and civil rights. Those values matter deeply. At the same time, I am concerned that limiting cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities could have unintended consequences for public safety—particularly when it involves individuals who have already been convicted of serious crimes.
Our community has experienced growing pressure on housing and public resources, along with noticeable changes that have affected quality of life. In recent months, targeted federal enforcement efforts focused specifically on convicted offenders have provided a sense of reassurance to families like mine. I worry that this legislation could weaken those efforts by restricting information sharing and coordination between agencies.
There is also a practical concern. Without routine cooperation from local authorities, federal enforcement may be forced to rely on more disruptive methods, potentially increasing stress and risk in residential neighborhoods. It is worth asking whether this approach truly enhances safety or unintentionally creates new challenges.
As a voter and engaged resident, I will be watching closely how this legislation is handled and will take those decisions into account in future elections. I hope our elected officials will carefully consider the voices of constituents who believe that safety and fairness must go hand in hand.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Chaim K.
New Hempstead, Rockland County
The views expressed in this letter do not necessarily represent those of Monsey Scoop. Have an opinion you’d like to share? Send it to us for review.
There is no need for concern—this law would exclude individuals who have already been convicted of serious crimes.
The law has been in place for eight years in Westchester, and crime has gone down.
Don’t be fooled by scare tactics from hate-mongering Republican politicians trying to score political points by spreading fear.
These are the same people who previously pushed ‘a storm is coming’ videos targeting the Jewish community.
Same people, different tactic.
Josh stop throwing in red herring OF STORM IS COMING. This has nothing to do with that.
“At its core, the Act is straightforward: it does not stop criminal enforcement, and it does not end cooperation with ICE. It simply requires a JUDICIAL WARANT before someone can be detained or transferred beyond their lawful release, while ensuring Rockland County remains fully compliant with federal law.
How does a law that bars local law enforcement from communicating with federal immigration without involving judges (which slow down if not shut down removal of violent illegal criminals from our communities) make us more safe?
Exactly. That is the essence of LAW and Order!
ensuring that law enforcement operates within the bounds of the Constitution.
We want accountability, due process, and adherence to the rule of law — not unchecked actions that result in the deaths of innocent U.S. citizens, as we are currently seeing investigated in Minneapolis.
We are not a third-world country or a monarchy.
We are a constitutional democracy with laws designed to prevent abuses of power and to protect innocent people. That is precisely why these safeguards are necessary and why Rockland County should uphold them.
Safe Rockland what an name for a handle.
The constitution is not applicable to non citizens.
We are doing just fine here in Rockland county without this new law. We don’t care what is going on in MN. Don’t bring MN riots to our peaceful safe county.
Stop with the useless slogans and look at the unintended consequences of this law.
We don’t need new “safeguards”. This law is trying to protect illegal criminals from deportation, just say it you’re pro crime.