The ICE & Immigration Policy Roundtable

“Won’t you be my neighbor?” These simple words — a lesson many of us learned in childhood from Mr. Rogers — seem to have been lost on the Trump administration. Instead, in blatantly rejecting our fundamental American principles to welcome immigrants who seek freedom, equality, and better opportunities, this current administration has undertaken draconian efforts to force out the neighbors who many of us grew up with and befriended. 

We have witnessed the ongoing efforts spurred by ICE as it drastically scales up arrest numbers of undocumented immigrants. The Federal government told us that these purported operations and mass deportations are only to remove undocumented immigrants from our country who have committed serious crimes and to enforce immigration laws. However, that is not what has happened or what’s still going on, as we see the blatant, egregious violations of constitutional rights and the killings of American citizens like Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti, both killed by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis this past January.

New York State and its local governments, like Westchester County and the City of White Plains, exhibit courage by rising up to fight these injustices.

On April 13, 2026, the White Plains Democratic City Committee (“WPDCC”) held a virtual roundtable with many of our important government leaders. Organized by Danielle T. Solinski, Fourth Vice Chair of the WPDCC, the prominent speakers were Congressman George Latimer (NY-16), State Senator Shelley Mayer (District 37), Mayor Justin C. Brasch (White Plains), Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert (New Rochelle), White Plains Common Council Member Evelyn Alicea-Santiago, White Plains Common Council Member Jeremiah Frei-Pearson, Ximena Francella (Co-Chair of the Hispanic Democrats of Westchester), and the late Dylan U. Valle (Hudson Valley District Leader [SEIU 32BJ]).[1]

In wake of the unconstitutional directives of the current federal administration, we have observed ICE operating like no other law enforcement agency. That compels New York State and its local municipalities to take meaningful action to protect its residents. 

The proposed legislation discussed at the roundtable included, among other pending measures: (1) the “New York for All Act,” which aims to have appropriate use of state and local resources by limiting the use of state and local resources for immigration enforcement purposes (2025 NY Senate-Assembly Bill S2235B, A3506B); (2) the “Mandating End of Lawless Tactics (MELT) Act” prohibiting federal, state, and local police officers from wearing masks or personal disguises while interacting with the public in the performance of their duties (2025 NY Senate-Assembly Bill S8462, A8908); and (3) the Education Protection Act — sponsored by Senator Mayer — which forbids denying children access to free public education based on their actual or perceived citizenship or immigration status and also prohibits educational institutions from allowing ICE to enter school property without a valid judicial warrant (2025 NY Senate-Assembly Bill S8597, A10021). 

Of note, the Common Council of the City of White Plains passed a unanimous resolution on March 4, 2026, critiquing the illegal and improper tactics utilized by ICE in carrying out its targeted operations. 

Even more, a discussion was had about the “Know Your Rights Card” for detainees to exercise their constitutional rights to remain silent when in custody, to speak and consult with an attorney for the effective assistance of counsel, and to prohibit ICE’s entry into homes, where one has a reasonable expectation of privacy, without valid warrants reviewed and executed by a judge (a neutral magistrate) (US Const, 4th, 5th, 6th, 14th Amends). ICE’s sweeping detentions and arrests are not only a significant departure from longstanding policies of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), but also wholly contrary to our core constitutional rights guaranteed in the Bill of Rights to protect both citizens and noncitizens in this country. The “Know Your Rights Card” is available in different languages and has been distributed to local businesses to provide guidance.[2]

The introduction of these crucial pieces of legislation and proactive measures signify meaningful change and provide us tools to combat ICE’s overreach by, among other things, minimizing fear and intimidation in our communities and requiring accountability and transparency by the federal government. While mindful that immigration issues fall squarely within the ambit of the federal government, our leaders have witnessed the grave injustices, engaged in important conversations, examined the underlying issues, and stood up for us by voicing their concerns. 

It cannot be overlooked how people across the country are being adversely affected by ICE’s conduct. The nationwide protests speak for themselves. But there is nothing more powerful when, as citizens, we take profound action — spearheaded by our leaders and elected representatives who help pass enforceable laws and ordinances to protect us and our vulnerable neighbors. The City of White Plains is a part of these critical efforts and will continue to be with our trusted leadership.

More importantly, nothing will speak louder when we cast our ballots for the midterm elections this November as a direct rebuke of the tactics and mistreatment carried out by ICE.  Hope and change should raise our optimism as we continue to fight for righteous democratic principles.

Resources

The April 13, 2026 roundtable generated both a reference document and a video recording that remain available. We encourage everyone to share these materials and stay informed.

Reference Document & Recording

• WPDCC Immigration & ICE Policy Roundtable — Reference Document (PDF): WPDCC-Immigration-ICE-Policy-Roundtable-April2026.pdf

• Full Zoom recording of the April 13, 2026 roundtable: ICE and Immigration Policy Roundtable

[1]  It is with deep sadness that we learned of the sudden passing of Mr. Dylan U. Valle days after the April 13, 2026 roundtable. We extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones.

[2] If you are interested in obtaining the “Know Your Rights Cards” for yourself or to share with others, please reach out to us at danielle.t.solinski@gmail.com.