New York’s “Green Light Law” Faces Federal Headwinds
New York’s controversial “Green Light Law,” officially the Driver’s License Access and Privacy act, enacted in December 2019, is facing renewed scrutiny under the incoming governance. The law, which allows undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses, also restricts the sharing of DMV details with federal agencies, creating a critically important point of contention.
This restriction has drawn sharp criticism from law enforcement officials. niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti highlights the safety implications: ”Any vehicle with a New York plate or driver’s license – thay [federal agents] don’t have access to tell if that vehicle is stolen,if that individual is wanted. We do, but then if I share that information with them – again that’s considered a current crime under New York state law.”
Sheriff Filicetti emphasizes the potential for serious consequences, stating that sharing such information could lead to felony charges for law enforcement officers. He further connects this issue to past failures in inter-agency dialogue, referencing the 9/11 attacks: “You go back to 9-11 and agencies weren’t communicating in some instances, sharing information was a problem. And here we fast forward in New York State 20 some years later and now they make it illegal for us to share information with each other.”
The incoming administration’s stance is clear. Thomas Homan, the designated “border czar” and former Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, issued a stark warning to sanctuary states like New York: “They better get the Hell out of the way.Either you help us or get the Hell out of the way.”
The potential for increased federal intervention is a significant concern. According to a recent report in The Buffalo News, Reporter Dan Herbeck interviewed Homan about the possibility of federal agents preventing vehicles with New York registrations from entering certain areas. While the specifics remain unclear, the potential for conflict between state and federal authorities is undeniable.
The “Green light Law” continues to be a battleground, pitting state sovereignty against national security concerns. The clash between New York’s policy and the incoming administration’s approach promises to be a major point of contention in the coming months,with significant implications for law enforcement,border security,and the daily lives of New Yorkers.
Legal Permanent Residents Can Re-enter U.S. After Border inspection
Concerns regarding the re-entry of Legal Permanent residents (LPRs) into the United States following a dispute over data sharing between New york state and federal agencies have been addressed.A spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has confirmed that under federal law, all U.S. citizens and LPRs will be permitted to return to the U.S. after undergoing proper inspection by agents at designated border crossings.
This clarification comes amidst ongoing tension between the New York state government and federal authorities over access to Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) information. The debate has raised concerns about potential impacts on law enforcement and border security.
Rep. Nick Langworthy (R-NY) weighed in on the situation, stating, “While that proposal – that quote seems to be an extreme measure, I don’t know what it has got to be to make Kathy Hochul and the officials in Albany to wake up, that we’ve got a real crisis on our hands and they need to work with our federal law enforcement partners as we’re trying to find the criminal element right off the bat within the population that is here illegally.” His comments highlight the urgency felt by some regarding the need for improved cooperation between state and federal agencies.
Langworthy referenced the arrest of a man wanted for multiple murders in Peru, apprehended by ICE agents while driving a New York-registered vehicle. He emphasized the limitations imposed by New York’s Green Light Law, suggesting it hinders inter-agency cooperation in such investigations. He urged New York residents to contact Governor Hochul and state lawmakers to advocate for “common sense” changes to facilitate information sharing with federal agencies.
While the Hochul administration has previously asserted that avenues for collaboration exist between local, state, and federal law enforcement, the specifics remain unclear. Legislative efforts are reportedly underway to potentially exempt border counties, such as Erie and Niagara, from the state’s restrictions on DMV data sharing.
A report by Herbeck further noted that former acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Matthew Albence, “did not rule out the possibility and would neither confirm or deny any such proposal or policy consideration by Homeland Security.” This statement underscores the ongoing uncertainty surrounding potential policy changes related to data sharing and its implications for border security.
The CBP’s statement provides crucial clarity for LPRs, assuring them of their right to re-enter the country after proper inspection. Tho, the underlying debate about data sharing and inter-agency cooperation continues to be a significant point of contention between state and federal authorities.
