Republican lawmakers in New York’s Assembly and Senate joined former acting ICE director and “border czar” Tom Homan to push for two immigration-related bills aimed at strengthening cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. The proposals come amid growing concerns over illegal immigration and public safety in the state.
The legislators renewed their call for the passage of “Laken’s Law” (A.2262/S.2538), which would require New York courts and law enforcement to share information with federal immigration agencies when a non-citizen is arrested or convicted of a crime. The bill is named after 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley, who was murdered by an undocumented Venezuelan migrant previously arrested and released in New York. Republican lawmakers argue that reversing the 2017 executive order that limited such cooperation is critical for public safety.
In addition, lawmakers are advocating for A.1528/S.1427, which would repeal New York’s “Green Light Law” for northern border counties. The law currently allows undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses while restricting the Department of Motor Vehicles from sharing data with federal immigration authorities. Supporters of the repeal claim it hampers law enforcement efforts and puts the public at risk.
“This is a matter of public safety that should transcend partisan politics,” said Assembly Republican Leader Will Barclay. “It’s common sense to secure our borders and restore full cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Anything less jeopardizes the safety of our communities.”
Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt echoed those concerns, blaming state and federal Democratic policies for exacerbating the migrant crisis. “It’s refreshing to see the new administration taking definitive action to secure our borders and remove those here illegally who are making our communities less safe,” Ortt said, referring to President Donald Trump’s recent signing of the Laken Riley Act.
Supporters of the proposed state legislation argue that law enforcement agencies must be able to work with federal authorities to track and detain individuals who may pose a threat. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, there were 20,884 criminal convictions of non-citizens in the U.S. in 2024, with 4,836 already reported in the first months of 2025.
The bills face an uphill battle in the Democrat-controlled Legislature, but Republican sponsors insist action is necessary to address what they call the consequences of open-border policies.
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