Editor’s note: This story is currently being updated.
New City, NY – A tense yet orderly evening unfolded at the Rockland County Legislature as residents packed the New City-based Government Center to protest a proposed law that would restrict local law enforcement cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The legislation, still in draft form and not yet formally released to the press, sparked widespread concern across ideological lines, drawing hundreds to a legislative meeting where the item was ultimately pulled from the agenda.
Full House, Divided Lines
Arlene Kahn, who was on the scene and provided footage to Rockland News, described a building filled to capacity, with lines of citizens stretching around the property. Protesters and supporters on both sides of the debate—some waving signs, others simply hoping to enter—lined up peacefully despite palpable tension. Another local resident from Clarkstown stated that there was at least 400-500 people at the building, and most were not able to get in, due to long lines that spanned around the block.
The gathering was sparked by what many are referring to as a “surprise bill” seeking to alter how local law enforcement collaborates with ICE, potentially mirroring a 2018 Westchester County law. No final text of the proposed legislation has been publicly released, and its sponsor, Legislator Beth Davidson, had yet to comment in detail on the bill that was introduced.
Legislation Pulled — For Now
According to attendees and later confirmed by officials, the legislation was removed from the evening’s agenda following some discussion. The item is now expected to be reintroduced at a future meeting. In a previous post, it was reported that it would be placed on a public safety agenda on February 27th. However, if this date changes, we will update this story with the correct new date.
A sheriff’s officer reportedly told attendees that no public comment would be taken on the measure until a hearing date is set.
County Executive Ed Day: “A Solution Looking for a Problem”
In a recent podcast interview, County Executive Ed Day denounced the proposed law, describing it as hastily introduced and lacking consultation with law enforcement.
“This is a solution looking for a problem,” Day said. “We haven’t had any issues in Rockland related to ICE cooperation.”
He added that the legislation bypassed standard protocol and lacked input from police or minority legislators. “We are the third safest county in the state. That didn’t happen because of Bette Davidson—it happened because of the cops doing their jobs,” he said.
Day, a former NYPD commander, accused state and national politicians of encouraging unsafe policies and rejected any effort to designate Rockland a “sanctuary county.”
Congressman Mike Lawler: “It Should Be Defeated Now”
Congressman Mike Lawler weighed in forcefully on social media, calling the proposal “a radical idea cooked up by out-of-touch activists.”
“Rockland County stood up and said no,” Lawler wrote. “It would have tied the hands of local law enforcement, made our communities less safe, and sent a clear message that Rockland tolerates lawlessness.”
Lawler praised the bipartisan opposition to the proposal and characterized its withdrawal as a victory for public safety.
Social Media Reaction: Vigilance and Concern
On local Facebook community groups, residents shared reactions ranging from relief to skepticism.
- Stephen Pisani warned: “It’s been postponed, thankfully, but that does not mean it won’t return under a different form or name.”
- Thomas James Woods offered a more neutral take: “ICE should be able to find criminal elements just as well, or better than Rockland County police agencies.”
What Comes Next
While the legislation has been temporarily withdrawn, the community’s strong response ensures the issue will remain at the forefront of local political discourse. With concerns about transparency, public safety, and immigration enforcement fueling the debate, all eyes now turn to the next legislative meeting—date still to be announced.
As County Executive Day emphasized, “We’re going down a bad road here… If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”