13-03-2025
Rochester immigration advocates push for New York for All Act approval
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Immigration advocates in the city of Rochester took over Austin Steward Plaza to urge the approval of the New York for All Act. Those in support said this bill will stop New York's resources from being used to carry out what they called unlawful federal immigration enforcement.
Organizers said Wednesday's vigil was set to be a more heartwarming event, but in the past 48 hours, they said 'attacks' from the state and national government prompted a more urgent and deeper message.
'We're going to continue to uplift our immigrant communities. We're going to continue to uplift our neighbors, our families, our friends, and ensure that people feel safe,' Cassandra Bocanegra with the New York Immigration Coalition said.
Bocanegra told News 8 the fear she has seen in the immigrant community in Rochester is polarizing.
'We've seen children not going to school, being kept home for fear of what could happen in with the repeal of the sensitive locations memo,' Bocanegra said.
In January, according to the Department of Homeland Security, guidelines for ICE preventing law enforcement from entering what were deemed as sensitive areas, such as schools and churches, were rescinded. Bocanegra and several advocates said the New York for All Act will protect immigrants, but it is being argued at the state level.
'We have federal folks like Tom Homan who comes and instills fear in Albany and New York State, and really like criminalizes and vilifies a community that does nothing more than support and contribute to the areas that they live in,' Bocanegra said.
Wednesday, New York Assembly Republicans spoke alongside 'Border Czar' Tom Homan in Albany who called on New York to end sanctuary city laws.
'It's time for New York to follow suit and to do its part and assist in the apprehension of these individuals and what that means is putting an end to the sanctuary state policies that have funneled illegal immigrants to our state and have fueled the migrant crisis we are dealing with that has eroded public safety and has cost our state billions of dollars over the last couple of years,' Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo said.
While the conversations from both sides continue, Bocanegra said she and those who held Wednesday's vigil hope to spread this message: 'Immigrants are part of the Rochester community, and we have solutions that can be pushed forward.'
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