Rockland Reporter

Yesterday, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) joined Congressmen Marc Molinaro (NY-19), Anthony D’Esposito, and Brandon Williams (NY-22) in introducing the Illegal Offender Registry Act. The bill proposes creating a database within the Department of Homeland Security to include all illegal immigrants convicted of a felony. This database will contain names, crimes committed, and the offenders' current place of residence.

The bill responds to concerns about sanctuary state policies in New York, which reportedly result in a lack of coordination between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and local law enforcement. Proponents argue that this lack of coordination has led to several tragic incidents involving illegal immigrants.

“New York’s sanctuary policies are getting people killed and it’s incumbent on Congress to do something about it. That’s why I’m proud to join my fellow New Yorkers and Representatives Molinaro, D’Esposito, and Williams in introducing the Illegal Offender Registry Act,” said Congressman Lawler. “This vital legislation will create a database within the Department of Homeland Security to include all illegal immigrants who are convicted of a felony, ensuring law enforcement and the general public are made aware of their status and facilitating their deportation.”

Congressman Molinaro echoed these sentiments: “New Yorkers are angry and they should be. Even after these heinous crimes, President Biden still refuses to close the border and Governor Hochul is still keeping New York’s sanctuary policies intact. They have completely tied the hands of local law enforcement and ICE. We need this registry so they can do their jobs and prevent more violent crimes.”

Congressman D'Esposito added: “The unholy alliance between Joe Biden with his porous border policies and Kathy Hochul and her ‘Sanctuary State’ agenda has allowed migrants to come to this country illegally and openly commit crimes across New York, all while law enforcement professionals find their hands tied. In the absence of action by Biden or Hochul, Congress can take a palpable step towards eradicating illegal migrant crime by passing this legislation.”

“Governor Hochul and far-left extremists in Albany bear responsibility for each reoffending illegal migrant convicted of a felony – they should have been handed over to federal authorities and deported,” stated Congressman Williams. “New Yorkers don’t deserve to live in fear because their elected officials refuse to place the safety of American citizens first.”

Congressman Lawler represents New York's 17th Congressional District, which includes parts or all of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.