Barnhart Presses Monroe County Sheriff on Immigration Enforcement
Monroe County Legislator Rachel Barnhart is seeking clarification from Sheriff Todd Baxter on the department’s role in immigration enforcement, particularly in relation to Operation Stonegarden, a federal program that funds local law enforcement agencies assisting in border security efforts.
In a Feb. 4 letter, Barnhart requested details on the Monroe County Sheriff's Office’s (MCSO) policies regarding cooperation with federal immigration agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Baxter responded on Feb. 17, stating that MCSO complies with New York Attorney General Letitia James’ guidelines on immigration enforcement. However, his answers have sparked concerns among some legislators.
When asked whether MCSO has ever detained or would detain individuals based solely on an ICE detainer request without a judge’s warrant, Baxter replied, “MCSO has and will comply with New York state law, the New York state and United States constitutions relating to the detention of any individual.”
Barnhart criticized the response as lacking clarity. “The sheriff states that his office cooperates with ICE ‘in all enforcement activities that can impact the safety and security of our community.’ While that may sound reasonable, what constitutes such a threat is highly subjective,” she said. “The sheriff should be transparent about the criteria he uses to determine when his office works with ICE.”
Baxter also declined to commit to refusing detention for individuals in the Monroe County Jail who face no criminal charges but are subject to civil deportation actions, stating, “As law enforcement professionals, we do not speculate on hypothetical scenarios.”
Barnhart argued that such assurances are necessary, particularly given past federal immigration policies. She referenced enforcement actions under the Trump administration, which she said led to the detention of law-abiding individuals despite promises to focus on criminals.
“The sheriff’s answers are as clear as mud,” Barnhart said. “Legislators will continue pressing his office on these concerns, including in upcoming discussions about grant funding for border enforcement.”
The issue of Operation Stonegarden funding is scheduled for a vote before the full legislature on Tuesday, where it is expected to pass.
See the file below for the Sheriff Office's responses:
Comments