approved by the Westchester County Board of Legislators on Monday.
"Will veto Sanctuary County Bill passed over objection of County Law Enforcement," Astorino announced late Tuesday morning on Twitter. "Would handcuff police."
The bill prevents Westchester County from using its resources to assist federal investigations that are based on race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion or national origin.
It also prohibits county departments and officers from sharing confidential information with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) unless ICE demonstrates probable cause.
“Just because proponents of the bill say it doesn’t create a sanctuary county, doesn’t make it so,” Astorino said. “Our County Attorney (Robert Meehan) has given us an opinion that passage of this act makes Westchester a sanctuary county and at odds with the federal government.”
Meehan raised concerns that the law established “sanctuary policies,” jeopardizes millions of dollars in federal funds, and raises substantial questions as to whether it violates federal law.
“I’m opposed to this Act because it puts public safety at risk, especially those in our immigrant communities; puts Westchester at odds with our own federal government; creates rights not available to ordinary citizens; will jeopardize approximately $13 million in federal funds and is so confusing as to be unenforceable," Astorino said. It all adds up to be a dangerous idea, and for those reasons, I will veto this legislation.”
Click here to follow Daily Voice Chappaqua and receive free news updates.