Rochester’s AG James Defends Sanctuary City Law in DOJ Suit

New York – In a bold move to safeguard immigrant communities, New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed an amicus brief in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York.

James argues that local laws limiting local authorities’ involvement in federal immigration enforcement, known as ‘sanctuary city’ laws, are constitutional and enhance public safety by allowing law enforcement to focus on local priorities such as crime reduction.

‘For years, these laws have kept New Yorkers safe,’ James declares. ‘Rochester’s law is constitutional, and we will fight to protect New Yorkers from the Trump administration’s cruel attacks on immigrant communities.’

Rochester’s sanctuary city law was first enacted in 1986 and updated in 2017. It restricts local or state agencies’ involvement in federal civil immigration enforcement while maintaining cooperation on criminal matters.

The DOJ filed a lawsuit against Rochester in April, claiming the city’s law is unconstitutional due to preemption by federal law. James asserts that the law complies with the Constitution and the 10th Amendment, which reserves police power to states and localities.

Attorney General James also highlights how the sanctuary city law encourages immigrants to report crimes, serve as witnesses, and seek medical care without fearing deportation, thereby fostering trust between communities and law enforcement. The court is urged to dismiss the DOJ’s lawsuit and uphold Rochester’s sanctuary city law.