Law enforcement leaders from across the Finger Lakes are responding to growing public inquiries about immigration amid rising federal enforcement locally. With federal immigration policies frequently changing and state laws limiting local cooperation with federal authorities, the sheriffs of Seneca, Ontario, Yates, Wayne, and Cayuga counties have sought to provide transparency on their positions.
Despite each county facing distinct local challenges, a common theme was apparent among statements released over the last week: Enforcing federal civil immigration laws is beyond their legal authority, though they remain willing to assist federal agencies in criminal cases.
Seneca County: Honoring warrants, but will not overreach
Sheriff Tim Thompson acknowledged that immigration enforcement has become a polarizing topic under the current federal administration. In his statement, Thompson stressed that his office would honor arrest warrants signed by a federal magistrate. However, he made it clear that his deputies will not actively intervene in federal immigration enforcement unless there is an emergency requiring immediate response.
“Our members will honor any arrest warrant signed by a federal magistrate,” Thompson explained. Deputies encountering individuals with federal warrants will notify the relevant agency to take custody of the individual within the legal timeframe.
Thompson also highlighted challenges posed by the New York State Green Light Law, which prohibits local law enforcement from sharing certain Department of Motor Vehicle data with federal agencies such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “I have prohibited our members from sharing any protected information through any computer database with federal immigration law enforcement agencies,” he noted, underscoring the legal liability his office could face if these state restrictions are violated.
Ontario County: Clarity on those legal limitations
Sheriff David Cirencione emphasized that local law enforcement officers do not have the authority to enforce federal civil immigration laws. His office has adopted a policy that prohibits deputies from questioning individuals about their immigration status during routine investigations.
“Improper entry into the U.S. is a violation of Section 1325 of Title 8 of the U.S. Code. Local law enforcement officers…are not authorized to arrest or detain anyone based solely on a violation of this federal code,” Cirencione explained. He also noted that administrative detainers issued by ICE do not legally authorize his department to hold inmates past their scheduled release date.
While Ontario County deputies are restricted in their ability to share certain information under the Green Light Law, Cirencione affirmed that his office can and does share court dates and release schedules with federal partners, as permitted by law. “We have and will continue to work cooperatively with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners in the furtherance of [public safety],” Cirencione stated.
Yates County: Compliance with policies is the priority
Sheriff Frank Ryan underscored the need for his office to comply with both state and federal regulations while maintaining public safety. Like his counterparts, Ryan emphasized that deputies do not seek to determine the immigration status of individuals during routine patrols.
“It is not the mission of the men and women of the Sheriff’s Office to actively seek out immigration status of those we come into contact with,” Ryan wrote. However, he assured the public that his office is prepared to assist federal authorities with the execution of arrest warrants signed by a federal magistrate.
Ryan’s statement acknowledged the rapidly evolving nature of immigration policy, noting that his office is continually educating itself to stay compliant with new legal developments.
Cayuga County: A stronger critique of existing immigration policy
Sheriff Brian Schenck offered a more pointed critique of recent federal immigration policies, which he described as contributing to local public safety risks. According to Schenck, recent cases involving undocumented individuals accused of serious crimes highlight the need for stronger collaboration with federal authorities.
“Although our office cannot take action on civil violations without federal partners present, we will fully cooperate with federal authorities when assistance is requested,” Schenck explained. He stressed that his office’s primary role is to support efforts to remove criminal offenders who pose a threat to public safety.
Schenck also emphasized the broader importance of federal agencies such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection, ICE, and Homeland Security in maintaining national security. His office is committed to assisting these agencies whenever criminal activity intersects with local jurisdiction.
Wayne County: Refuting claims of widespread raids
Sheriff Rob Milby of Wayne County provided a broader view, tying local immigration issues to national security and drug trafficking concerns. Milby, who serves on both the National Sheriff’s Association Border Security Committee and the New York State Sheriff’s Association Border Security Committee, highlighted alarming trends along New York’s northern border.
“There were a greater number of encounters on the northern border last year than in the previous 17 years combined,” Milby stated, noting that cartels and foreign gangs are using these routes to traffic both drugs and people. “In the last two years, over 66% of our overdose deaths in Wayne County involved fentanyl, which we know is trafficked across our borders.”
Milby refuted rumors of widespread ICE raids in his county, stating, “From [ICE Border Czar] Tom Homan… I heard that ICE is not conducting raids or sweeps.” He clarified that ICE targets known criminals and only takes additional enforcement actions when encountering others here illegally during those operations.
Milby stressed the importance of returning to the “rule of law” to prevent further exploitation by cartels. “The cartels have killed more Americans than any other terrorist organization,” he wrote. Despite the challenges, Milby assured residents that his office remains committed to protecting Wayne County from criminal activities tied to illegal border crossings.
Broader implications: Complexities remain as long as state maintains existing policies
The collective statements from the four sheriffs highlight the legal and logistical constraints faced by local law enforcement when addressing immigration-related issues. Under New York State law, local agencies cannot independently enforce federal civil immigration policies. Furthermore, restrictions such as the Green Light Law limit the information local authorities can share with federal agencies.
Despite these hurdles, the sheriffs made clear that their offices will continue to prioritize public safety by cooperating with federal partners on criminal matters. Sheriff Thompson summed up this balance, adding “Illegal immigration is a federal issue, but any negative impacts on our citizens locally is my issue.”
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