New York Lawmakers Join National Statement Condemning Federal Immigration Actions

Over 500 state legislators, including dozens from New York, have signed onto a statement backing Minnesota and criticizing recent federal immigration enforcement tactics.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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More than 500 state legislators from across the country, including dozens from New York, have signed onto a national statement expressing solidarity with Minnesota and condemning recent federal immigration enforcement actions that lawmakers described as unconstitutional, violent and terrorizing to communities.

Why it matters

The statement calls for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Border Patrol to leave Minnesota immediately and demands independent investigations into the deaths of multiple individuals killed during recent enforcement actions. Lawmakers say these federal actions threaten civil liberties and are part of a broader effort to increase transparency and limit cooperation with immigration authorities.

The details

The statement was drafted and circulated in less than 72 hours, and was announced at a press conference in Albany led by State Sen. Patricia Fahy (D-Albany) and Sen. Michelle Hinchey (D-Hudson Valley). Lawmakers said the letter now includes signatories from 48 states and continues to grow. They called for passage of bills in New York that would restrict ICE access to state facilities and require reporting on immigration arrests.

  • The statement was announced on January 28, 2026.
  • The statement was drafted and circulated in less than 72 hours prior to the announcement.

The players

Patricia Fahy

A Democratic state senator representing Albany.

Michelle Hinchey

A Democratic state senator representing the Hudson Valley region.

Gabriella Romero

A Democratic state assemblymember representing Albany and surrounding towns.

Gustavo Rivera

A Democratic state senator representing the Bronx.

Zellnor Myrie

A Democratic state senator representing Brooklyn.

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What they’re saying

“We are at a decisive moment in our nation's history. For a country founded on liberty and unalienable rights, having mass armed federal agents on our streets threatens to destroy the foundational values that underpin our democracy.”

— Patricia Fahy, State Senator (legislativegazette.com)

“This is not about public safety. This is about absolute and complete control meant to terrorize communities into submission. American citizens are being murdered on our streets by government agents.”

— Michelle Hinchey, State Senator (legislativegazette.com)

“I saw African neighbors targeted and detained in front of a mosque after prayer. Families are afraid to leave their homes. Children are afraid to go to school. This is not public safety.”

— Gabriella Romero, State Assemblymember (legislativegazette.com)

“These are Americans and non-citizens alike. The letter is important, but it is not enough. We must pass legislation.”

— Gustavo Rivera, State Senator (legislativegazette.com)

“We are witnessing violations of human rights. This is about shared humanity.”

— Lea Webb, State Senator (legislativegazette.com)

What’s next

The statement will be read into the record at a Minnesota Senate hearing on federal impacts and economic stability, according to Sen. Patricia Fahy. Lawmakers said the goal is to amplify pressure on federal officials while signaling nationwide resistance.

The takeaway

This coordinated effort by over 500 state legislators across the country, including dozens from New York, represents a strong rebuke of recent federal immigration enforcement actions that lawmakers view as unconstitutional and a threat to civil liberties. The statement and accompanying legislative proposals aim to limit cooperation with federal authorities and increase transparency around these enforcement tactics.