New York State Senator Rob Ortt, Western New York Law Enforcement and County Clerk blast New York’s dangerous and controversial Green Light Law

North Tonawanda, NY - Today, joined by members of the Western New York legislative delegation, law enforcement officials, and county clerks, New York State Senator Rob Ortt blasted New York’s dangerous Green Light Law, which hinders law enforcement officers from effectively doing their job. Senator Ortt and officials present vowed that restoring laws that give our law enforcement the tools and resources to rein in illegal migrants will be a top priority this legislative session for them.

 

 

 

"The Green Light Law is a dangerous policy that compromises our nation’s security and endangers public safety by shielding DMV records from federal authorities," said Senator George Borrello. "Paired with the state’s sanctuary policies, it has fueled a flood of illegal immigrants that have overwhelmed state resources and devastated communities over the past three years. As President Trump’s incoming border czar rightly noted, this law is a direct threat to public safety and has to change. Senate Republicans will continue to fight to repeal the Green Light Law and sanctuary policies. We’re relieved that we will finally have allies in Washington who share our resolve to end these disastrous policies." 

 

“The NYS Green Light Law has severely restricted our ability to work with our federal partners to keep our borders secure. I fully support any legislation that reverses this law and enables us to keep our communities safe.  The fact that this law threatens local law enforcement with a felony level crime for sharing information should raise the eyebrows of our residents,” said Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti. 

 

“As Sheriff, my priority is quality public safety. Collaboration among our law enforcement partners is a critical component of keeping Erie County’s residents safe. Unfortunately, the Green Light Law as it was enacted in 2019 severely impedes our ability to do that. We oppose any hindrance on sharing information with our federal law enforcement partners,” said Erie County Sheriff John Garcia. 

 

“Since its inception the New York State “Green Light Law” has validated many of the public safety concerns of law enforcement, local government, and residents. This hindrance ties the hands of law enforcement, not allowing the sharing of information between state and federal agencies, such as stolen and unregistered vehicles, and it is considered a crime for them to do so.  New York State should promote the sharing of resources and information between law enforcement agencies at all levels of government to ensure public safety,” said Assemblyman Paul Bologna. 

 

“New York’s Green Light Law creates a difficult and dangerous situation for our law enforcement officers. The law prohibits the Department of Motor Vehicles from sharing information with the Department of Homeland Security. This does not allow our local law enforcement to fully vet any suspicious vehicles or activity and it creates a less safe New York State,” said Assemblyman Angelo Morinello.

 

“Only in New York would we allow those who are here illegally to obtain state ID’s and driver's licenses, this is madness. We should be upholding the rule of law and punishing those here illegally, not rewarding them with privileges. President Trump was re-elected in part because people were tired of the migrant crisis that is hitting the country hard, we must listen to the people of New York who have said time and again they do not want to give illegal immigrants special privileges.” said Assemblyman DiPietro. 

 

“When this law was put in place people like myself along with law enforcement and immigration enforcement such as ICE stated that this was a potential security threat because they didn’t have immediate access to the information and it also offered a pathway for those looking to commit fraud and or participate in illegal activity,” said Niagara County Clerk Jastrzemski. 

 

“The Democrat establishment in Albany continues to dismiss the real damage being done by prioritizing illegal immigrant criminals and letting them  bypass the system. Laws like the Green Light bill have empowered these criminals to wreak havoc in our communities​ and endanger those who follow the law. We’ve seen too many stories of everyday New Yorkers being assaulted, robbed and worse by these criminals​ who go unvetted and unchecked. This is why​ we need to give the tools needed to allow public safety officials to do their jobs,” closed Senator Rob Ortt.