Yonkers rally pushes for 'New York for All Act' to pass
Local organizations, people from the community and allies gathered Monday evening to take a stand when it comes to defending the rights of immigrants.
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Local organizations, community members and allies gathered Monday evening to take a stand when it comes to defending the rights of immigrants.
A rally was organized to urge state lawmakers to pass the New York for All Act. According to the New York Immigration Coalition, the legislation prohibits New York’s state and local government agencies from being diverted to federal immigration enforcement.
News 12 has been reporting on Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents serving warrants around the Hudson Valley over the last couple of months, including in Sleepy Hollow near the end of May.
“I have papers to work but still, I’m afraid. If they see we’re Spanish, that’s our fear," says Yonkers resident Leticia Tejeda.
Not everyone agrees with the proposed legislation.
"This would be a disaster for New York, it would be a public safety nightmare. When it comes to making sure we are holding people who are here illegally, breaking the laws who are dangerous criminals, this particular proposal would further protect them and shield them and say, 'we're open here in New York for exactly these kinds of people and that's not what we want,'" says Assemblyman Matt Slater.
Supporters of the New York for All Act want it passed by the end of the legislative session.
