Nassau County, New York Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder has reaffirmed his commitment to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), despite growing scrutiny and recent legal actions by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The pledge comes amid concerns about the potential threat posed by the MS-13 gang, which has been linked to violent crimes in the region.
Ryder’s decision to maintain collaboration with ICE has drawn attention due to the ongoing legal scrutiny by Letitia James. The attorney general has previously taken action against local agencies that coordinate with ICE, citing concerns over the treatment of immigrants and the potential for abuse of power. This has led to increased public and political debate over the balance between law enforcement cooperation and civil rights protections.
In response to the MS-13 threat, Ryder emphasized the importance of working with federal agencies to address the gang’s activities. He stated that the collaboration is essential for protecting the community and maintaining public safety. However, critics argue that such partnerships may infringe on the rights of undocumented immigrants and potentially lead to over-policing of immigrant communities.
The situation highlights the complex relationship between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. As the debate continues, the outcomes of Ryder’s commitment to ICE collaboration could have significant implications for both public safety and civil liberties in Nassau County.