Statement from Governor Andrew M. Cuomo Regarding Reports or Agents Using Military-Style Force Against Protesters in Los Angeles: "Not In New York"
“The recent ICE crackdowns in Los Angeles and New York City are a deeply troubling escalation in immigration enforcement tactics that undermine community trust and the principles of due process.
“I believe in upholding the rule of law and maintaining secure borders, but these operations—marked by military-style raids, the use of flash-bang grenades, and the detention of individuals, including those attempting to document the events—cross a line into cruelty and unnecessary fear mongering.
“This is not who we are. I have gone through this with the Trump administration before and it is dangerous for ICE to commence action without coordinating with local law enforcement.
“Our cities are built on the contributions of immigrants, and while we must address unauthorized immigration, these indiscriminate and hyper-aggressive actions sow terror in neighborhoods, disrupt families, and erode the sense of safety for all residents.
“Targeting people in the workplace or even as they attend court hearings, as reported here in New York, discourages them from participating in legal processes and accessing justice, which is antithetical to American values.
“We can and must pursue an immigration enforcement strategy that is firm, fair, and focused on genuine threats to public safety— not one aimed at stoking fear or making headlines.
“This means prioritizing resources toward serious criminal activity, ensuring transparency in enforcement actions, and working with local communities rather than against them. It also means reaffirming our commitment to humane treatment and due process, including access to legal counsel and protection of civil rights.”
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