NYCLU Statement on ICE Director Visit to Rensselaer County Jail

Tomorrow, the acting director of ICE is scheduled to visit Rensselaer County Jail for a press conference to advance the agency’s campaign to gain access to New York’s DMV database.

The New York Civil Liberties Union released the following statements in response:

Donna Lieberman, executive director: “New York won’t be intimidated by ICE fear-mongering and attacks. The Green Light law protects road safety and expands access to travel. It allows all New Yorkers to lead fuller lives and makes our communities stronger. But ICE is more interested in militarizing our streets, increasing raids, and intimidating New Yorkers. We’ll continue to do what is right and stand up to this administration’s war on immigrant communities.”

Melanie Trimble, director of the Capital Region chapter: “It’s very disappointing that Sheriff Russo would welcome ICE with open arms. The 287(g) agreement he signed with ICE diverts local law enforcement officers to do ICE’s bidding, and this is just another part of a cynical game that jeopardizes safety and public trust in Rensselaer County. Targeting immigrant communities for deportation is Trump’s priority, not New York’s.”