RESISTANCE AND REASSURANCE NDLON Urges Local Authorities to Stand Up to Trump and Defend Their Communities

LONG ISLAND, N.Y., Feb. 7 – The National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON) on Friday called on local governments and police departments across the country to clear up the uncertainty over sanctuary laws by making a strong commitment – publicly, officially, with clearly written policies – to protect immigrants and to defend their human, civil and labor rights against the Trump Administration’s brutal campaign of fear and intimidation.

The following is a statement from Nadia Marin-Molina, Co-Executive Director of NDLON:

“These are frightening and confusing times for immigrants in all corners of the United States. The President is vowing zero-tolerance attacks on immigrants with mass arrests and deportations. But while he can spread fear and intimidation, he cannot carry out his threats on the scale he wants without the active cooperation of local law enforcement.

“This is where the confusion happens. The two counties of Long Island, N.Y., run by MAGA Republicans, declare loyalty to Trump’s anti-immigrant agenda. But some Long Island localities say they stand with immigrants and won’t take part.

“So which is it? The Suffolk County Executive says: “Suffolk County is not, nor will it ever be, a sanctuary county.” But East Hampton Town officials, on Suffolk’s East End, say the opposite – that they will protect their immigrant residents. In public remarks on Tuesday, according to The East Hampton Star, town officials and police claimed they would not partner with the Trump Administration in enforcing civil immigration laws.

“In Nassau, meanwhile, County Executive Bruce Blakeman this week deputized local police detectives as ICE agents, a dangerous act that he later tried to walk back with an awkward message to Latinos about tamping down fear and keeping everyone in the county safe.

“For pledges of solidarity and support to be considered genuine, they must be backed up in written policies that local governments and law enforcement will honor – even under pressure. Sanctuary laws have managed to limit the scope and damage of Trump’s immigration raids in places like Illinois and California. They can do the same across the country. Local leaders need to stand together with immigrants – their constituents, neighbors, co-workers, employees and friends. Where the Trump Administration is spreading terror and confusion, they should bring clarity and solidarity.

This is how we can protect ourselves and our families. By upholding and spreading sanctuary laws. By making sure we know and assert our Constitutional rights. And by enlisting allies in this struggle. The way to handle bullies, cowards and liars is to push back. And then push back some more. Solo el pueblo salva al pueblo. Only the people will save the people.

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