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Mayor Malik Evans and Other Lawmakers Addressing Recent ICE Visits to Rochester

ICE deportation officers arresting a man in Conroe, Texas
ICE deportation officers arresting a man in Conroe, Texas

In the wake of President Donald Trump’s executive orders cracking down on illegal immigration, federal immigration agents were in the Rochester region over the weekend, prompting local officials to reaffirm the city’s sanctuary policies and remind residents of their rights amid heightened concerns about enforcement actions.

 

Mayor Malik D. Evans said Monday that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had a presence in the area but noted that federal agents do not provide local governments with advance notification of their activities. Evans said he had received no information on any arrests or specific enforcement outcomes.

 

“I recognize there is a degree of fear and concern being caused by the current rhetoric around immigration enforcement, and encourage refugees and immigrants living in the Greater Rochester area to be fully aware of their rights,” Evans said. “The City of Rochester will work closely with our partners at the local, regional and state levels, and will share information as soon as we receive it.”

 

Councilmember and Mayoral Candidate Mary Lupien also addressed reports of ICE activity, saying “several officers” were seen in the area and that their presence “has created a wave of fear and concern in our community.”

 

“Let me be clear: Rochester is a sanctuary city, where all residents, regardless of immigration status, are treated with dignity and respect,” Lupien said. “We must remain vigilant and united in protecting the most vulnerable among us.”

 

Rochester’s status as a “sanctuary city” stems from local policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. According to the Rochester Police Department’s training bulletin, “Sanctuary City Resolution” (P-75-17), and General Order 502 (“Equitable Policing”), the department does not have the legal authority to enforce immigration detainers and is instructed not to coordinate with ICE on enforcement actions.

 

Local officials and advocacy groups are advising immigrants and refugees to consult with legal counsel or immigrant rights organizations to learn about “know your rights” materials and training. Officials stressed that no local agency is mandated to assist with federal immigration operations unless compelled by a court order.

 

“It is important for our neighbors to remain informed and aware,” Evans said. “We want every person in Rochester to feel safe, regardless of immigration status.”

 

ICE has conducted enforcement operations in the Rochester region in the past but typically does not publicize those efforts or coordinate with local authorities unless specific criminal warrants are involved. Neither ICE nor federal authorities have issued a public statement on the weekend activity as of Monday.

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Tara Doridy
Tara Doridy
29 de jan.
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icaj2000@yahoo.com
28 de jan.
Avaliado com 5 de 5 estrelas.

As Mayor Evans and local leaders continue to advocate for immigrant rights, it is crucial that the conversation evolves into action. We must hold our leaders accountable and demand that they take the necessary steps to make Rochester an official sanctuary city. By doing so, we can ensure that all residents—whether born here or seeking refuge—are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.


In the words of Audre Lorde, “I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.” We are all connected in this fight for justice. Now is the time for Rochester’s leadership to act, and for the community to hold them accountable. Let us move from words…

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