Local Democratic leaders in Ontario County issued a sharp statement Monday condemning federal law enforcement actions they say violate constitutional rights and calling on Congress to cut funding to the Department of Homeland Security.
In a statement dated Monday, Jan. 26, the Ontario County Democratic Committee said its leadership supports U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer’s position opposing any funding for DHS while its agents continue operations the group described as unlawful and dangerous.
The statement references events in Minneapolis, where the committee said a second U.S. citizen was killed by federal agents over the weekend. Committee leaders accused federal officials of misleading the public about the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The group alleged that DHS agents have conducted operations without judicial warrants, suppressed peaceful protesters, and engaged in actions they say violate First, Second, and Fourth Amendment rights. The statement also claims Minnesota police have described the situation as “chaos” and “unsustainable,” with police chiefs reporting racial profiling by federal agents, including toward local officers.
The committee further said educators have reported children being seized and used to pressure families during enforcement efforts targeting legal residents. It described DHS as an agency “out of control” and said similar incidents have already occurred in the region, raising local concern.
Ontario County Democratic leaders called for Congress to stop using taxpayer dollars to support DHS operations and urged lawmakers to pursue independent local investigations. The statement says federal agents who break the law must be held accountable.
The statement was signed by the executive committee and local leaders of the Ontario County Democratic Committee, including Chair John Hurley, Vice Chair Maria Bucci, Treasurer Thomas White, Secretary Elizabeth Yockel, and several city and town representatives.
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