The following is a statement responding to Governor Hochul proposing giving police unfettered discretion to law enforcement in determining who to funnel to ICE

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Yesterday, Governor Hochul announced a highly dangerous,deceptive proposal that would allow local and state police to funnel New Yorkers to ICE detention and deportation if officers believe they have “probable cause” to arrest someone of a crime. 

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Probable cause is simply one officer's suspicion that meets the most meager test of possibility. To use this as the standard for the life-and-death decision of turning a person over to ICE will only multiply abuses of power.

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This “scheme” that the Governor is proposing would exacerbate the worst policing practices and radically increase racial profiling. 

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As organizations that have long documented and fought against profound racial disparities and longstanding bias that influence who is stopped by local law enforcement, we must all stand up and oppose any version of Governor Hochul’s proposal.

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At a time when we need bold, comprehensive action - like the robust New York For All Act - from the Governor and legislature, this is instead a disastrous step backwards. We call on the Governor to roll back this misstep, and instead, stand up for the New Yorkers who it is her duty to serve, and pass New York for All.