Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt Joins Rochester Officials To Thank Police Officers For Assisting Border Patrol and Discuss Legislation Aimed at Uncuffing Law Enforcement From Properly Executing Public Safety Tasks

Rochester, NY – Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt joined local elected leaders and police advocacy groups following a condemnation earlier this week from city leadership over the Rochester Police assisting Border Patrol Agents at an emergency request. 

 

On Wednesday night, Rochester Mayor, Malik Evans, issued a department-wide email reprimanding the RPD officers who assisted the HSI agents in distress, initiated an investigation into punishing these RPD officers, and committed to ordering RPD officers to receive further training on understanding that they are barred from assisting federal law enforcement from assisting officers in emergency situations.

 

The city leadership’s appeasement of anti-law enforcement community members by way of this communication and investigation illustrates a broader issue - one that has become state and nationwide. It highlights the disconnect between American citizens, and New York State residents, who wish to live in safe communities and the left-wing, criminal-coddling executives in charge who wish to score political points amongst their radical base.

 

“Democrat electeds have proven time and again they favor the health and well-being of criminals over that of our law enforcement officers,” said Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt. “Our brave men and women of law enforcement swore an oath to the U.S. Constitution and to the protection of their fellow members in law enforcement. For elected officials to condemn these brave men and women for upholding their oath in order to score political points is abhorrent and sets a dangerous precedent that could result in future injury or far worse. My conference has always stood behind law enforcement, which is why we have a package of bills aimed at repealing New York’s ridiculous sanctuary policies, and giving police all the tools they need to properly do their jobs.” 

 

“Law enforcement officers don’t stop to think about politics when someone — especially fellow officers — calls for help; they respond,” said Monroe County Republican Conference Leader Steve Brew. “That’s exactly what the Rochester Police Department did, and they should be applauded for it. For Democrat elected officials to condemn, reprimand, and even threaten disciplinary action against officers who backed up federal agents in need is not just shameful — it’s dangerous. It sends a chilling message to every officer that doing the right thing could cost them their career. That kind of leadership doesn’t just demoralize police — it puts lives at risk. The Republican Conference of the Monroe County Legislature stands firmly with the brave men and women of the RPD, and we will always support those who uphold the law and protect our communities.” 

 

“The men and women of the Rochester Police Department appreciate the approach and support from officials like Senator Rob Ortt. It is refreshing to hear support from community leaders, which is contrary to what we have grown accustomed to in Rochester,” said Kevin Leckinger of the Rochester Police Locust Club. “This incident shines an unfortunate light on the creep of politics into the arena of law enforcement. Our members didn’t violate any law or policy, and aren’t driven by a political agenda. We are driven by a quest for a safe community. We fully support the actions of our members in this incident.”

 

Two bills aimed at making the job of police less difficult remain in committee - Laken’s Law Senate Bill S.2538, which would override a 2017 executive order from the Cuomo Administration which has handcuffed Federal Law Enforcement, including ICE, from working with state and local partners when it comes to dealing with suspected illegal immigrants. 

 

Repeal the Green Light Law Senate Bill S.1427, under the Green Light law federal, state and local law enforcement are not allowed to coordinate their efforts in addressing illegal northern border crossings. This bill would repeal the Green Light law and would restore co-operation between all levels of law enforcement agencies.