Democrats and activists have staged a sit-in at the Albany State Capitol, pushing for legislation that would severely restrict ICE’s powers and expand sanctuary policies in New York State.
At a Glance
- Activists and socialist Democratic lawmakers are conducting a sit-in outside the Albany Capitol to advocate for the NY4All Act, which would limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities
- The proposed legislation would prohibit ICE from entering state property without a warrant, stop county jails from holding ICE detainees, and prevent state employees from recording immigration status
- Border Czar Tom Homan was confronted by protesters while visiting Albany to encourage cooperation with ICE operations
- Republican lawmakers have criticized the bill as making New York “a safe harbor and magnet for illegal immigration”
- The protest has caused traffic disruptions, including bus reroutes on Washington Avenue
Protesters Occupy Albany Streets Demanding NY4All Act
Organized by the New York Immigration Coalition, protesters have taken over a section of Washington Avenue outside the New York State Capitol to push for passage of the NY4All Act. The legislation aims to expand sanctuary policies by preventing police and state employees from cooperating with federal immigration authorities. Protesters have vowed to maintain their presence until the bill passes, causing significant disruption to traffic patterns in the capital city, including bus reroutes.
The demonstration has garnered support from several progressive Democratic lawmakers who joined the sit-in. The NY4All Act would implement sweeping restrictions on immigration enforcement in New York, prohibiting ICE from entering state property without a warrant, preventing county jails from holding ICE detainees, and blocking state employees from recording immigration status in official databases.
Confrontation with Border Czar Tom Homan
During a recent visit to Albany, Border Czar Tom Homan faced hostile protesters as he walked through the Capitol. Video footage shows Homan calmly eating an apple while demonstrators chanted “No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here.” Democratic Assembly member Zohran Mamdani directly confronted Homan, questioning him about Trump administration immigration policies and the detention of Columbia University student Mahmoud Khalil.
“How many more New Yorkers will you detain? How many more New Yorkers without charge? Do you believe in the First Amendment, Tom Homan?”, said Zohran Mamdani.
Homan was in Albany specifically to encourage cooperation with ICE operations, despite New York’s restrictive laws on immigration enforcement. He has been critical of New York’s sanctuary policies, including the “Green Light Law” that allows illegal immigrants to obtain drivers’ licenses.
Republican Opposition and Democratic Support
Republicans have voiced strong opposition to the NY4All Act, arguing it undermines federal immigration enforcement. Assemblyman Matt Slater (R-Westchester) criticized the legislation, stating: “While President Trump continues to remove dangerous criminals here illegally, the NY for All Act will make our state a safe harbor and magnet for illegal immigration.”
“ICE might still overwhelm us, but we need to make sure that we are doing everything that we can to protect our community members.” – Emily Gallagher
The protesters have specifically highlighted cases like that of Yuriy Zinovyev, a Glens Falls resident detained by ICE. According to advocates, Zinovyev has lived in the United States for 25 years, working as a welder, and is currently held at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility. Supporters claim his case exemplifies how families can be separated through cooperation between local police and ICE.
City’s Response to the Protest
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan has addressed the ongoing demonstration, emphasizing the city’s commitment to free speech while managing the practical aspects of the protest. Albany Police have implemented detours to maintain traffic flow around the blocked area. The mayor noted that the city routinely handles protests as the capital of New York State.
“The City of Albany does not consider the content of a protest when allowing for free speech. The tactics that are being deployed for the protest that is underway are the same tactics we have deployed for decades. As the Capital of New York, we handle protests all the time. At this time, we have created detours that allow traffic to continue to flow, including CDTA buses. I will continue to consult the Chief of Police as we monitor the situation.” – Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan
The sit-in represents the latest chapter in the ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement and the role of state and local authorities in cooperating with federal agencies. As protesters maintain their position outside the Capitol, the legislative fate of the NY4All Act remains uncertain, with the current legislative session quickly approaching its conclusion.
