“Until we see significant policy changes, we cannot stop talking about the migrant crisis here in Albany. It is still a major problem, and it is a problem that is still growing as thousands of migrants continue to enter our state. We are reaching a threshold with regard to this monumental crisis, and pretty soon, something has to give. That something is New York City’s sanctuary status, which thus far has helped shield migrants who have committed crimes from facing punishment.

“Furthermore, it doesn’t exactly instill reassurance in the hearts of New York families who are told to put their trust in state lawmakers when the governor is proposing to send another $2.4 billion to support migrants arriving in New York City, for a total of $4.3 billion, approximately half of the overall budget for our state’s Office of Mental Health, Office of Addiction Services and Supports and Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. The fact we can spare these dollars for migrants but not for struggling New Yorkers is sickening.

“Our law enforcement in New York City does not deserve to be beaten up by migrants who then escape accountability due to sanctuary city laws. It’s time we stop perpetuating this false reality of a ‘sanctuary’ awaiting the migrants arriving in the city and start voicing the true inhumanity and public safety issues that are occurring as a direct result of so many people flooding our state at once. New York citizens deserve better, and to restore public safety in New York City and throughout our state, we need to help restore public trust in our state’s criminal justice system and law enforcement agencies, as well as our nation’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement.”