NYCLU Slams DOJ Lawsuit Against City of Rochester Over Immigration Enforcement

ROCHESTER – Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Justice sued the City of Rochester following an immigration enforcement incident in March, in which Rochester police officers violated city law by assisting federal agents in detaining three people during a traffic stop, drawing criticism from Rochester elected officials. In response, the New York Civil Liberties Union issued the following statement, attributable to organizer Shay Herbert:

“Rochester Mayor Evans and City Council President Melendez rightly stood up for immigrants and common-sense city policy that prevents the Trump mass deportation machine from hijacking local police to further their cruel agenda. For that act of bravery, they’re facing retribution from a president who is weaponizing law enforcement to go at officials who stand in his way.”

“This is about fear, not safety. Data shows crime is lower in places where officials do not divert time and resources for a hostile immigration agenda. Let’s call this what it is: a baseless attack on sanctuary policies that will rip families apart and endanger our community.”