Rochester Officials Defend Sanctuary Status, Dispute Monroe County’s Inclusion in DHS List

Rochester officials are reaffirming the city's sanctuary policies following the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) recent designation of both Rochester and Monroe County as "sanctuary jurisdictions." While city leaders stand by Rochester's long-standing sanctuary status, they contest Monroe County's inclusion, arguing that the county continues to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement in ways that adversely affect migrant communities.

Malik Evans, Mary Lupien, Rachel Barnhart

The designation, published this week on the DHS website under Executive Order 14287, asserts that Rochester and Monroe County obstruct federal immigration enforcement. Local officials, however, contend that this characterization is misleading and politically motivated.

Rochester has identified as a sanctuary city since 1986, reaffirming this status in 2017. City policies limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities and prohibit local police from inquiring about immigration status during routine interactions.

Mayor Malik Evans emphasized Rochester's commitment to being a welcoming city for all residents, regardless of immigration status. In contrast, County Executive Adam Bello's administration focuses on "orderly and humane" coordination with state and federal agencies, especially in response to the recent arrival of asylum seekers.

The DHS designation has also brought renewed attention to a 2023 executive order by Bello, requiring the county to coordinate with New York City before accepting relocated asylum seekers—a move critics argue contradicts sanctuary principles.

City Councilmember and mayoral candidate Mary Lupien defended Rochester's sanctuary policies, stating they are essential for building trust, protecting families, and ensuring public safety.

"This is a shameful and dangerous move from the Trump administration's DHS—a deliberate attempt to intimidate cities like Rochester that choose to protect and uplift all of our residents," Lupien said in a statement. "Let me be clear: Rochester's sanctuary policies are not only legal—they are essential to community trust and public safety."

Lupien affirmed that the city would continue to resist federal overreach and protect immigrant families from deportation.

However, the inclusion of Monroe County alongside Rochester has drawn criticism from officials who argue the county has not enacted sanctuary protections.

"Monroe County is not a sanctuary county," said County Legislator Rachel Barnhart. "Our Sheriff's Office participates in immigration enforcement. In one disturbing case, a Monroe County deputy turned over a local high school student to Border Patrol. That is not the behavior of a sanctuary jurisdiction—it's the opposite."

Barnhart and other local leaders express disappointment that the county has not only failed to implement sanctuary policies but has actively collaborated with DHS to detain and deport immigrants. They cite the lack of public condemnation from County Executive Bello and Sheriff Todd Baxter regarding federal immigration practices as further evidence of complicity.

"County leadership has never once condemned these human rights abuses," Barnhart said. "Monroe County is not a sanctuary county—but it should be. We should be doing everything in our power to protect families, uphold due process, and reject the politics of fear and cruelty."

While Bello's administration frames its immigration approach around coordination and public order—including the 2023 executive order mandating collaboration with New York City on the relocation of asylum seekers—critics argue the county prioritizes federal compliance over the rights and safety of immigrant residents.

As DHS continues to highlight jurisdictions it deems uncooperative, the controversy underscores a growing divide between city and county leaders in Monroe County, reflecting the national debate over immigration enforcement, local autonomy, and human dignity.

For the full list of designated sanctuary jurisdictions, visit the DHS website: Sanctuary Jurisdictions Defying Federal Immigration Law.