New York Democrats Unanimously Back Sanctuary State Bill, Denounce ICE

Party leaders rally behind legislation to limit local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a unanimous vote at the state convention in Syracuse, the New York Democratic party backed a symbolic resolution supporting the New York for All Act, a measure that would prohibit local governments from cooperating with ICE. The resolution denounced ICE's "violence, impunity and total disregard for human and civilian life." The vote by party leaders, including the Assembly Speaker and Senate Majority Leader, shows Democrats are ready to make immigration a key campaign issue ahead of the midterm elections.

Why it matters

The Democratic party's unified stance against ICE and support for sanctuary state legislation reflects growing public opposition to the agency's tactics, with a recent poll showing 61% of New Yorkers disagree with ICE's methods. This issue could galvanize the Democratic base and appeal to independent voters concerned about immigration enforcement.

The details

The New York Democratic Committee voted unanimously to adopt a resolution backing the New York for All Act, which would prohibit state and local resources from being used to aid federal immigration enforcement. The resolution accused ICE of operating "with violence, impunity and total disregard for human and civilian life." Democratic leaders, including Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, supported the measure, which is seen as a rebuke of the Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for his cooperation with ICE.

  • The state Democratic convention took place on Friday, February 8, 2026 in Syracuse.
  • A recent Siena University poll showed 61% of New York voters disagree with ICE's tactics.

The players

Carl Heastie

Democratic Assembly Speaker.

Andrea Stewart-Cousins

Democratic State Senate Majority Leader.

Bruce Blakeman

Republican Nassau County Executive who has cooperated with ICE.

Jay Jacobs

Chairman of the New York State Democratic Committee.

Brian Cunningham

Democratic Assemblyman from Brooklyn who seconded the nomination of Governor Hochul.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He's someone who thinks ICE is doing a great job.”

— Brian Cunningham, Democratic Assemblyman (New York Post)

“Since we began our cooperation with ICE, over 2000 criminals have been removed from Nassau County and the metropolitan area. Criminals who otherwise would have been set free by Kathy Hochul's cashless bail debacle.”

— Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive (New York Post)

What’s next

The New York State legislature is expected to take up the New York for All Act in the coming months, with Democrats hoping to pass the sanctuary state legislation before the November midterm elections.

The takeaway

The New York Democratic party's unified stance against ICE and support for sanctuary state policies reflects the growing political salience of immigration enforcement as a campaign issue. With strong public opposition to ICE's tactics, this could be a winning issue for Democrats as they seek to energize their base and appeal to independent voters concerned about heavy-handed immigration enforcement.