To improve a legislative agenda that would lessen regional cooperation with national immigration operations and improve the security of civil rights, five Democratic legislators from New York joined a coalition of representatives from seven states on December 18.

During a joint press conference, the officials denounced what they called as “secret police tactics” by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and introduced a package of bills aimed at strengthening the rule of law. One of the central pieces is the End Illegal Tactics Act (MELT), by State Senator Patricia Fahy, which would prohibit law enforcement officers from wearing masks or disguises when interacting with the public, requiring them to show their face and credentials. The initiative provides exceptions for medical masks, rescue teams, or high-risk SWAT missions, but stipulates that violators will face misdemeanor charges, in an attempt to reinforce transparency and public trust in law enforcement. Fahy argued that the actions of masked officers have eroded public trust and described scenes of arrests in broad daylight as a practice incompatible with a modern democracy, in statements made when introducing the proposal. School Protection and sensitive locations

The Protect Our Schools Act, which makes sure kids are informed immediately if an arrest occurs on a school, is another important initiative. It also makes it illegal for ICE to enter educational services without obtaining a true court order.

The law would also stop schools from appointing staff or resources to enforce federal immigration laws, and it would also stop principals or security guards from having to decide whether or not to grant administrative orders, a task that would fall to legal advisors.

Similar proposals S4121 and S4121 would allow for lawsuits for damages resulting from detentions that are deemed illegal, as well as protection for hospitals, churches, food banks, and shelters, as well as for warrantless civil arrests within a 300-meter radius.

Assemblyman Micah Lasher argued that residents shouldn't be afraid to report crimes or visit the doctor without fear of being detained. In these circumstances, ICE is present, creating fear and social isolation.

The New York Civil Rights Act, which would allow lawsuits against federal, state, or local officials for constitutional violations, as well as compensation for emotional suffering and payment of legal costs, was also introduced by Senator Zellnor Myrie.

In his district, Republican Robert Smullen argued against the use of public resources to collaborate with ICE and that such measures were unnecessary. In contrast, Republican Andrew Gounardes defended his New York for All bill, which would restrict the use of public resources to cooperate with ICE and require written consent before allowing interrogations.

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