How we expand sanctuary protection for immigrants in 2024

Dear friends of IDP,

Today, I’m writing to share our plans for 2024 to expand sanctuary laws and highlight the work of one of our partners, Richard Ubanwa, who has fought courageously to make sure that the harm he suffered isn’t repeated on others.

For 15 years, we have pushed tirelessly for sanctuary policies that prevent New York City police and corrections officers from enabling the detention and deportation of immigrants. We:

won policies that force jails to notify people detained in New York City of their right to refuse investigatory interviews with ICE,
evicted ICE’s “Criminal Alien Program” from Rikers Island, and
passed groundbreaking sanctuary legislation in New York City.

This progress has changed the landscape for immigrants targeted and arrested by NYPD and made our communities safer and more stable.

But since we won protections in New York City nine years ago, New York has fallen sadly behind. At the local level, there is still collusion between New York City and ICE and we continue to fight for more protective city laws as part of the ICE Out! NYC Coalition. Meanwhile, at least a half dozen states around the country have passed state sanctuary laws, while the New York State Legislature has yet to act. We have been working to change that in the New York for All campaign. We can make New York an example once again, by passing laws that reflect

I never expected this kind of treatment in New York. I thought New York was a state that protected the rights of all its residents but in fact, the state is behind when it comes to protecting immigrants.

-Richard Ubanwa

our values as New Yorkers and immigrant justice advocates.

The voices of directly impacted community members are essential to creating effective, meaningful change. One of the most zealous advocates for New York for All is Richard, who came to the U.S. in 2014 to study biochemistry at SUNY Oswego. We first spoke with Richard when he was in ICE detention in Buffalo. He had been detained after Oswego Police officers who did ICE’s dirty work by arresting him specifically for the purpose of transferring him to the hands of ICE for detention and deportation. Richard spent ten months detained and fighting for his right to remain in the U.S. and continue his studies. Now, he fights for others who face the same injustice.

First while detained - and later once Richard thankfully got out on bond - he shared his story with IDP, learned about the New York for All campaign, and joined our work. He has lent his voice through testimony (read his op ed) and action (speaking at a press conference in Albany alongside our Senate and Assembly sponsors), with a powerful message about the need to pass New York for All.

I do not want other New York immigrants feeling too scared to exercise their rights. Constantly living with fear and anxiety of being subjected to inhumane acts by local authorities meant to serve and protect. What happened to me should be stopped from happening to them.

-Richard Ubanwa

Last year, the New York for All bill gained significant momentum. A majority of New York State Senators sponsored the bill, more and more Assemblymembers signed on to be sponsors, and labor unions and workers centers began speaking out about the importance of this sanctuary measure to protect workers across the state. As we gear up for next year, with a coalition ready to fight, we need your support. Together with our advocate partners, strong voices like Richard’s, and your support, we can finally make New York a sanctuary state!

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