Senator Hoylman Condemns “Brazen And Despicable” Deportation Of Jean Montrevil And Continued Mistreatment Of Immigrants

NEW YORK – State Senator Brad Hoylman (D/WF-Manhattan), Ranking Member on the NYS Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement condemning U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for its arrest, detention, and deportation of immigrant activist and human rights advocate Jean Montrevil. Montrevil, who immigrated to the United States from Haiti in 1986 with a Green Card, was seized outside his home in Far Rockaway on January 3 by four ICE vans and deported this week.

“I’m sickened by this administration's cruelty towards our immigrant communities and ICE’s brazen and despicable mistreatment of Jean Montrevil. Jean has long been a devoted member of Judson Memorial Church in my district, working with the church tirelessly to protect immigrants like himself. He is also a successful business owner and a loving father of four. But on January 3, without warning, he was taken from his friends and family. This is the Trump Administration’s deliberate attempt to target anyone who does not look like them, pray like them, or adhere to their beliefs. We remain united as a community in support of Jean and working with the New Sanctuary Coalition, we will resist ICE’s reckless and lawless attacks on our neighbors.”

Senator Hoylman is the prime co-sponsor of two bills - S4075A and S4234 - known collectively as the New York State Liberty Act, which would make New York the first sanctuary state in the nation and protect immigrants from unjust deportation procedures and racial profiling. S4075A would ensure that anyone in need of vital government services is not questioned about their immigration status and would prohibit local law enforcement from stopping or arresting a person based on perceived immigration status or suspected violation of federal immigration law. S4234 would prevent New York State and local governments from participating in any federal registry or database based upon race, color, creed, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or national or ethnic origin.