Sen. Gounardes, AM Reyes, Lawmakers & Advocates Rally Against Tom Homan’s Anti-Immigrant Agenda

Sen. Gounardes and AM Reyes are prime sponsors of the New York For All Act, which would create a consistent, state-wide standard for how city and state agencies interact with federal immigration enforcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MARCH 12, 2025

View video recording here.

Albany, NY - New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes, Assembly Member Karines Reyes, R.N., and other lawmakers gathered at the New York State Capitol today to respond to the presence of President Trump’s border czar Tom Homan at the State Capitol. At a large rally, lawmakers and advocates made clear New York will stand up for immigrant communities and underscored that true public safety comes from keeping families together, not tearing them apart.

Senator Gounardes and Assembly Member Reyes are prime sponsors of the New York For All Act (S.2235/A3506), which would create a consistent, state-wide standard for how city and state agencies interact with federal immigration enforcement. The approach outlined in the legislation, which would limit collaboration with federal immigration agents unless they provide a signed judicial warrant, has been shown to decrease crime and is endorsed by multiple national police organizations. 

"Tom Homan's extremist agenda won't keep us safe, but it will tear apart families, cause chaos and confusion, and tank our economy,” said State Senator Andrew Gounardes. “Homan seems perfectly comfortable tossing aside our basic rights in pursuit of retaliation against free speech that Trump doesn’t like. But if Homan is so concerned about criminals running around, he should turn his attention to the convicted felon and repeat offender residing at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. In the meantime, New York will continue to protect our immigrant neighbors and work to implement policies that actually make us safer."

“Tom Homan’s radical and draconian vision for our country and immigrant neighbors made its way to the State Capitol, only to be soundly rejected”, said Assembly Member Karines Reyes, R.N., Assembly sponsor of the New York for All Act (A3506) and the Chair of the Assembly & Senate’s Puerto Rican / Hispanic Task Force. “As the Trump Administration uses the full weight of the federal government to make life unbearable for vulnerable immigrant New Yorkers, our state and its legislators are working to protect our essential workers and keep communities safe. The NY4A Act would guarantee that state and local governments do not collude with ICE in executing civil aspects of federal immigration law. This legislation would build trust between immigrants and the government, to ensure that they can continue to be a part of New York’s tapestry, by working in vital jobs, allow their kids to attend school without fear, report crimes, and so many more important functions. I am hopeful that my colleagues in the Legislature and Governor Hochul will continue to reject the Homan-Trump immigration policies and pass this critical legislation into law.”

"New York is a city built by immigrants, and the South Bronx knows firsthand the power of diversity and resilience,” said Assemblymember Amanda Septimo. “Tom Homan’s anti-immigrant agenda is nothing more than fear-mongering that threatens families, destabilizes communities, and undermines real public safety. We don’t keep people safe by tearing families apart—we do it by ensuring trust between communities and law enforcement. That’s why I stand firmly behind the New York For All Act, a commitment to dignity, fairness, and the well-being of every New Yorker—whether they arrived by choice, by chance, or by necessity."

"Instead of working to fix our immigration system, like Democrats did when they reached a bipartisan border deal last year, Trump and his border czar Tom Homan have chosen to use cruel tactics to stoke fear and place immigrant families under attack," said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF - Manhattan), Chair of the Assembly Committee on Housing. "Threats of deportation have caused many to go into hiding, forcing parents to keep their children home from school and preventing them from going about their daily lives. New York was built by immigrants and no matter what despicable policies happen at the federal level, New York State must have their backs. As the daughter of immigrants, I am proud to support the New York for All Act to create a uniform standard for how state and city agencies will interact with federal immigration enforcement and provide these families, who want nothing more than the ability to care for their families and be part of our communities, some peace of mind."

"We reject the Trump administration's policies, which all too frequently victimize immigrants legally present in this country who are pursuing the American dream,” said Assembly Member Chris Burdick. “As the grandson of immigrants, I cherish our diversity, which is the hallmark of this nation. I am a proud cosponsor of New York for All."

“As a proud daughter of immigrants, I know immigration is what makes this state great—it has always been our strength, not our weakness. Tom Homan coming to Albany does not change that,” said Assembly Member Grace Lee. “We are not intimidated, we do not cower to threats, and we will continue to stand strong. New York's values are not up for negotiation.”

“Today, ICE Director Tom Homan is at our state capitol. Let's be clear: His anti-immigrant agenda and the federal administration’s anti-immigrant agenda are not welcome here,” said Assembly Member Marcela Mitaynes. “New Yorkers know the essential roles immigrants play in New York State; immigrants are community leaders who help organize food drives, they are the home health care workers who ensure our seniors can age with dignity, and they are the local educators who dedicate themselves to the children of New York. Their contributions keep New York State running. New York is a state where everyone is welcome, and as state legislators, we must commit to that and pass the New York for All Act.”

“Tom Homan’s only job seems to be spewing lies and misinformation at the behest of the Trump Administration,” said Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition. “Homan’s visit to the New York State Capitol is an insult to the values of our state and a direct attack on the millions of immigrants who contribute to our communities every day. He is not welcome here. Homan’s goal is to bully New York State into acquiescing to the Trump administration’s deportation agenda at the expense of our public and road safety, and our own 10th Amendment rights to make the laws that protect and improve the lives of all New Yorkers. But New York cannot be intimidated. Our state has a strong legacy of protecting all those who call it home–immigrants who build our economy, enrich our communities, and make New York stronger.  We will continue to fight back against any attempts to roll back those protections. Our communities deserve safety, and the ability to live without fear.”

Press Contacts:

Billy Richling

Communications Director

State Senator Andrew Gounardes

billy@senatorgounardes.nyc

Justin Westbrook-Lowery

Chief of Staff & Legislative Director

State Assembly Member Karines Reyes

westbrookloweryj@nyassembly.gov

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