State Senate Candidate Joe Rand Responds to ‘Sanctuary County’ Debate, Defends Limits on ICE Cooperation

Democratic State Senate candidate Joe Rand issued a detailed response this week regarding proposed legislation in the Rockland County Legislature that would restrict county employees from cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), except in cases involving criminal investigations or judicial warrants.

Rand said he supports the general intent of the proposal, stating that county cooperation should be limited to situations where federal authorities are acting pursuant to a criminal investigation or a judge-issued warrant. While noting that he has not yet reviewed the full text of the bill, Rand said the framework he understands would allow cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security under those circumstances.

Rand sharply criticized ICE’s recent enforcement actions in other parts of the country, particularly incidents in Minnesota, which he described as excessive, unconstitutional, and unprofessional. He cited videos and reports alleging the use of pepper spray against bystanders, arrests of protesters, detentions of U.S. citizens, enforcement actions involving children, and the use of force in residential areas.

“I support law enforcement, but not lawlessness,” Rand said, drawing a distinction between local police agencies and ICE. He argued that ICE has, in his view, abandoned professional law enforcement standards and that county officials should not assist in what he described as abusive or unconstitutional conduct, except where criminal activity or judicial oversight is involved.

Rand, who currently serves as Mayor of the Village of Nyack, said his personal experiences with police officers have consistently involved professionalism and de-escalation, which he contrasted with what he described as ICE’s confrontational approach in recent enforcement operations. He emphasized that opposing ICE’s actions does not equate to opposing law enforcement.

Addressing immigration policy more broadly, Rand said he supports enforcing immigration laws but called for a reformed approach. He outlined three priorities: securing the border, prioritizing the arrest and deportation of violent criminals, and reforming immigration laws to provide legal pathways for individuals who arrived as children or who are long-standing, contributing members of society.

Rand also referenced his family’s immigration history, noting that his grandfather immigrated through Ellis Island in the early 20th century under far looser immigration rules, which he said informs his views on immigration reform and legal pathways.

In response to criticism from his Republican opponent, Senator Bill Weber, Rand said his position is clear and accused Weber of failing to condemn the pardons of individuals convicted in connection with the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Rand argued that elected officials who claim to support law enforcement should also denounce violence against police officers.

“I support law enforcement. I do not support lawlessness,” Rand said, reiterating that position applies both to federal immigration enforcement practices and to violent attacks on police.

The proposed Rockland County legislation continues to generate sharp debate as county lawmakers consider whether to formally introduce the measure.