Sanctuary City Battle: AG James Defends Rochester’s Immigrant Protection Laws

New York – In a fierce battle for the heart of Rochester, Attorney General Letitia James has stepped into court to defend the sanctity of immigrant communities. Today, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York, AG James filed an amicus brief that argues sanctuary city laws are not just constitutional but crucial for public safety.

The AG’s office contends that these laws, including Rochester’s, ensure local law enforcement can focus on core duties such as crime fighting and gun violence reduction. James asserts that the Trump-era attack on immigrant communities is both cruel and dishonorable, emphasizing that her office will not back down in protecting New Yorkers.

Rochester’s sanctuary city stance has been a steadfast principle since 1986, updated in 2017 to maintain trust between law enforcement and immigrants. The DOJ起诉罗切斯特市，称其法律违反联邦法。但James在诉状中反驳说，该法律不违反宪法，第十修正案赋予各州和地方权力管理本辖区的日常公共安全。

According to James, the law’s real-world impact is evident in the increased willingness of immigrants to report crimes and access vital services like healthcare without fear. Studies show that local enforcement involvement in immigration enforcement can lead to a less cooperative relationship with police and more crime victims among immigrant communities.

The former Rochester police chief who served during the 2017 law’s passage highlighted its intention to keep scarce resources on local priorities, such as combating gun violence. James is now calling for the court to dismiss the DOJ’s lawsuit against Rochester and uphold the city’s sanctuary city status.

This isn’t the first time AG James has championed immigrant rights; in July, she joined 19 other states defending legal services for unaccompanied immigrant children. The fight for public safety and civil rights continues in Rochester, with Letitia James at the forefront.”