(BUFFALO, N.Y.) — Senator Jeremy J. Zellner today announced his co-sponsorship of      the New York for All Act (S2235B), calling for urgent action as growing concerns mount over the impact of federal immigration enforcement on public safety and community stability across Western New York.

As federal immigration enforcement activity increases, local leaders warn the impact is being felt directly in neighborhoods, where fear is making it harder for residents to report crimes, access healthcare, and seek critical services.

The New York for All Act would:

• Limit the use of state and local resources for federal immigration enforcement
  
   
• Prohibit government entities from questioning individuals about immigration status
  
   
• Restrict the collection and disclosure of immigration-related information
  
   
• Establish clear boundaries between local services and federal immigration enforcement

The legislation does not interfere with federal immigration enforcement but establishes clear boundaries for how state and local resources are used.

Doing nothing is not an option,” said Senator Zellner. “State and local governments should be focused on protecting our communities and delivering services, not pulled into a federal enforcement system that creates fear and instability. When people are afraid to report crime or seek help, it doesn’t just impact them, it weakens public safety for everyone.

By reinforcing these boundaries, the legislation ensures that state and local agencies remain focused on serving New Yorkers while protecting access to essential services and strengthening public safety.

New findings presented at the press conference by University at Buffalo law student Linda Roman Marque further underscored these concerns. Her December 2025 report, Ending Complicity: The Harms of State and Local Collusion with Federal Immigration Enforcement in Western New York, documents the real-world impacts of coordination between local entities and federal immigration authorities.

The report finds that fear of immigration enforcement is actively discouraging individuals from reporting crimes and accessing essential services — creating risks not just for those directly impacted, but for entire communities.

The report highlights how such collaboration can:

• Undermine trust in law enforcement and public institutions
   
• Discourage individuals from reporting crimes or cooperating with investigations
   
• Create barriers to accessing healthcare, education, and other essential services
   

• Increase vulnerability for already at-risk individuals and families

   

Senator Zellner was joined by local elected officials, faith leaders, and community organizations working directly with immigrant and refugee communities across the region. Additional statements were provided by federal, state, and local leaders in support of the legislation.

No New Yorker should have to live in fear that their constitutional rights will be violated by federal agencies operating with impunity,” said Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26). “Under Donald Trump, the Department of Homeland Security has been corrupted by a culture of cruelty that has spread fear and violence across our state and nation. The New York for All Act ensures that state and local resources are used to protect our communities, not to carry out this administration’s extreme mass deportations. As a New York State Senator, I was proud to co-sponsor the New York for All Act, and I'm honored to join Senator Zellner to defend the dignity, safety, and unity of our communities.

I am proud to stand with my colleagues in the State Senate as a co-sponsor of the New York for All Act,” said Senator April N.M. Baskin (63). “At a time when federal immigration enforcement actions are sowing fear and division in our communities, it is critical that New York step up to protect our residents. When communities are afraid to call 911, send their children to school, or seek medical care, we are all less safe. This legislation helps restore trust, protect due process, and keep families together.

Buffalo has made clear that our city government will not be used for federal civil immigration enforcement, so every resident feels safe accessing services and engaging with their local government,” said Mayor Sean Ryan. “We’re all neighbors, and our lives extend beyond city borders. A consistent, statewide approach like the New York for All Act provides clarity while allowing all local governments to focus on delivering services and building trust in our communities.

The New York for All Act reflects our shared belief that every person, regardless of where they come from, deserves dignity, safety, and equal protection under the law,” said Erie County Legislator Lawrence Dupre. “By strengthening trust between our communities and local government, this important legislation helps ensure that all New Yorkers feel protected, respected, and able to contribute fully to our communities.

I’m proud that Senator April Baskin and Senator Jeremy Zellner are co-sponsors of the New York for All Act,” said Erie County Legislator Taisha St. Jean Tard. “At a time like this, New York State must stand with immigrant communities. This legislation will ensure that local resources are used to serve and protect our communities, not to enforce federal immigration policy.

It’s past time to rein in ICE. Under this administration, the agency’s aggressive enforcement has split up families, terrorized both native-born and immigrant communities, and led to the deaths of numerous individuals, including the cruel and fatal abandonment of Nurul Amin Shah Alam,” said Buffalo Common Council President Pro Tempore Zeneta Everhart. “By passing the New York for All Act, our state can limit local cooperation with ICE and ensure that immigrants are free to utilize critical social services, schools, and hospitals without fear of being arbitrarily targeted for deportation. I applaud Senator Zellner and other members of our Western New York Delegation who are working to pass this critical legislation.

Community advocates also emphasized the importance of the legislation in ensuring safety and stability for immigrant families across New York State.

In Buffalo, immigrants are our neighbors, small business owners, workers, and families who continue to drive the city’s growth and revival,” said Meghan Maloney de Zaldivar, Vice President of Advocacy for the New York Immigration Coalition. But the fear caused by aggressive ICE and Border Patrol fueled by local authorities are felt in our schools, workplaces, and places of worship – casting a shadow over communities that should feel safe. New York should not be an arm of the federal government’s cruel deportation machine. We applaud Senator Zellner for co-sponsoring New York for All and joining other members of the Western New York delegation, including Assembly member Rivera and Senator Baskin, in recognizing the urgent need to protect communities across the region. At a time when ICE is terrorizing and killing people across the country, Albany must act with courage to ensure the public safety of all New Yorkers. Passing New York for All is a moral imperative to protect our neighbors, defend our values, and make clear that in every corner of this state, we stand for dignity and justice for all.

Co-sponsoring New York for All shows a strong commitment to our immigrant communities, ensuring they feel safe, supported, and welcomed,” said a representative from the Partnership for the Public Good. “This bill is about opportunity for all and protecting the rights of those who call New York home.

Zellner called on his colleagues and the Governor  to advance the legislation and take action to strengthen protections for communities across New York.

The New York for All Act is currently under consideration in the New York State Senate, where lawmakers are expected to continue discussions.

Read the full report, Ending Complicity: The Harms of State and Local Collusion with Federal Immigration Enforcement in Western New York here.                          

Photos from today’s event are available here.

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