State Senator Bill Weber is sharply criticizing a proposal being advanced by Democratic leaders in the Rockland County Legislature that would limit cooperation between county agencies and federal immigration authorities, calling the plan dangerous and irresponsible.
In a statement released Thursday, Weber, who represents the 38th Senate District, condemned the initiative reportedly being pushed by County Legislator Beth Davidson and several Democratic colleagues, which would designate Rockland as what he described as a “sanctuary county.”
Weber also challenged his Democratic opponent, Joe Rand, to publicly state whether he supports or opposes the proposal.
“The public has a right to know where he stands,” Weber said, questioning whether Rand would distance himself from the measure or support what he characterized as a radical policy shift that could jeopardize public safety.
The proposal, first reported by the New York Post, is expected to be introduced by the Democrat-led Rockland County Legislature and is modeled after an Immigration Protection Act passed in neighboring Westchester County in 2018.
According to Rockland County Executive Ed Day, who has stated he intends to veto the measure if passed, the legislation would restrict county employees and law enforcement from proactively cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement unless tied to a criminal investigation, prohibit honoring immigration detainers without a judicial warrant, and bar officials from sharing an individual’s immigration status or release information with federal authorities.
Weber said he is firmly opposed to the proposal and pledged to actively campaign against it, arguing that Rockland County should not follow the path of larger cities that have adopted similar policies.
“Rockland County is not New York City, San Francisco, or Minneapolis,” Weber said. “This kind of political pandering has no place in our community.”
The proposed legislation has already sparked significant debate as it moves closer to formal consideration by the county legislature.
Weber is Following MAGAMikes instructions, we won’t fall for this garbage. These MAGA republicans can find a new place to make people crazy, we want Rockland county to be a safe place with safe law enforcement. Lawlessness is not acceptable.
MAGAMike and Puppy Bill your time is up. Leave rockland alone.