Write a commentToday, the Assembly and Senate Republican Conferences alongside 'border czar' Tom Homan promoted two pieces of legislation that would restore cooperation between local and state law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities and enhance security measures at the northern border.
Assembly and Senate Republicans are once again calling for the passage of "Laken's Law," named after 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley, who was tragically murdered by José Antonio Ibarra, an undocumented Venezuelan migrant previously arrested and released in Queens. The bill was introduced last year (A.2262/S.2538) and is sponsored by Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo (R,C-Sayville) and Sen. Andrew Lanza (R,C-Staten Island) and would restore cooperation between New York courts, law enforcement agencies and federal immigration authorities in cases involving the arrest or conviction of non-citizens—reversing a 2017 executive order signed by then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
The Conferences also called for the passage of A.1528/S.1427—sponsored by Assemblyman Scott Gray and Sen. Dan Stec—to repeal the state's "Green Light Law" for northern border counties. As it stands, the law allows undocumented immigrants to obtain a driver's license and prohibits the Department of Motor Vehicles from sharing information with federal immigration officials, ultimately putting federal investigators and the public in danger. Passing this bill will give law enforcement officials the tools and resources necessary to secure New York's international border.
"This is a matter of public safety that should transcend partisan politics. There should be no debate. For years, we have been calling for stronger protections for our citizens surrounding the dangers posed by illegal migrants only to face opposition from Democrats," said Leader Barclay. "It's common sense to secure our borders and restore full cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Anything less jeopardizes the safety of our communities."
The illegal migrant charged with Laken's murder had an extensive criminal history before this horrific crime. President Biden's open border policies jeopardized public safety and allowed that individual to remain free after his arrest for reckless endangerment of a child in 2023. After committing this disturbing crime, he traveled to Georgia where he brutally murdered Laken while she was out for a jog in broad daylight in February of 2024.
On his first day in office, President Donald J. Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law. The federal law will require the detaining of illegal immigrants accused of certain crimes, including crimes that cause death and serious bodily injury. The Laken Riley Act is a step forward—now it is time for New York to pass Laken's Law.
"The tragic murder of Laken Riley was preventable and exemplifies the dangers of weak border policies and sanctuary states like New York," said Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo (R,C-Sayville). "The Trump Administration has made great strides on border security, specifically passing the Laken Riley Act, that will prioritize the removal of criminal illegal migrants from our country. Now, it's New York's turn to step up and assist in the apprehension of these individuals as well. 'Laken's Law' will put an end to the sanctuary state policies that caused the migrant crisis within our state and ensure a safer New York for all."
"Despite what Albany Democrats want you to believe, there is no drawback to holding criminals accountable. Law and order are indispensable for a functioning society. Right now, under Gov. Hochul's soft-on-crime policies, our state is failing to protect New Yorkers. Laken Riley should not have been made an example of this. Tying the hands of law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities senselessly puts everyone at risk," said Assemblyman Scott Gray (R-Watertown).
"The migrant crisis has raged out of control in New York as a direct result of open border and sanctuary policies enacted by Democrats at the state and federal levels. It's refreshing to see the new administration taking definitive action to secure our borders and remove those here illegally who are making our communities less safe. It's a great honor to be joined today by Border Czar Tom Homan, to thank him for his efforts, and urge that New York finally take action to put an end to policies that tie the hands of our law enforcement agencies so they can fully cooperate with our federal counterparts," said Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.
"New York's sanctuary policies have been an unmitigated disaster for the people of New York. There is a certain poetry that a native New Yorker, President Trump, is fixing what leftist Democrat New Yorkers broke," said Deputy Senate Republican Leader Andrew Lanza, 24th Senate District.
"I've seen firsthand how Governor Hochul and Democrat leaders have undermined our security along the Northern Border through their dangerous and failing illegal immigration policies. The Green Light Law passed and enacted by Democrats has handcuffed local law enforcement and prevented it from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. Because of it, communities along the Northern Border have become safe havens for violent, criminal behavior. I sponsor legislation that would repeal the Green Light Law and I'm proud to partner with President Trump's border czar Tom Homan and Assemblyman Gray in calling for Governor Hochul and Democrat leaders to pass my common sense border security measure," said Senator Dan Stec, 45th Senate District.
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, there were 20,884 criminal convictions of aliens in the U.S. in 2024 and 4,836 already reported for fiscal year 2025. The ongoing migrant crisis remains a pressing issue both nationally and in our state, and immediate legislative action is needed.
