Statement By Senator Jose R. Peralta On Rescission of Secure Communities Program

"Common sense and reason have prevailed and we can thank Governor Andrew Cuomo for that," said State Senator Jose R. Peralta, long an outspoken critic of the Secure Communities program.  "The Secure Communities program was tearing families apart.  It was supposed to focus on dangerous criminals, but the vast majority of those deported through the program were hardworking immigrants with no criminal record.  Immigrant communities simply became even more fearful of law enforcement, worried about arrests and deportations.  The program became a disincentive to reporting crimes and cooperating with law enforcement, endangering community safety.   "Many, many thanks to Governor Cuomo."