This August saw the highest number of immigration arrests on record at 50,925, surpassing the previous record of 50,208 set in July. More than 65,000 people are currently being held in ICE detention. In the first eighteen months of Trump’s presidency, ICE detention in Monroe County increased by 1,500 percent. Most of those detained have no prior criminal record, and we know all too well of the hardworking and caring friends and family members who are missing. 

Meanwhile, the federal government is building a detention center in our own backyard, and despite community concerns our County Legislature just approved grant funding that requires coordination with Customs and Border Protection (CBP). We need reassurance that our neighbors are being protected.

We're calling on the Monroe County Legislature to pass legislation that will Protect Our Neighbors by making it unlawful for Monroe County Sheriff’s Office personnel or county employees to execute, assist in, or facilitate federal civil immigration investigations, tracking, or enforcement activities, including inquiring about or sharing immigration status information unless required by state or federal law. 

We're also calling on Monroe County to divest all county funds, public pensions, and municipal investments from private prison corporations or secondary contractors that profit directly from federal immigration detention infrastructure.

Click "Email Your Legislator" to urge support for these policies:

Hi [Legislator Name],

I'm writing as a constituent in your district urging you to support legislation to Protect Our Neighbors. Like many others in my community, I am concerned about the actions of federal immigration enforcement who are detaining and deporting members of our community. I believe it is important for our representatives to use their position to stand against these policies.

Monroe County must make it clear that local resources will not be used for federal immigration enforcement. The Legislature must plug the gaps in state legislation by barring all forms of coordination between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. I am also asking the County to divest county resources from any companies that profit from the construction or operation of immigrant detention facilities. 

Sincerely,
 [Your Name]