On Monday, March 12th, the Westchester County board of legislators voted 11-3 to sign the Immigrant Protect Act. The bipartisan act aims to protect confidential information of all Westchester county residents, regardless of status.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer stated, “The Board of Legislators came together in a bi-partisan way, with the assistance of law enforcement and immigration advocates alike, to craft a law which fully complies with federal law while offering humane peace of mind to our immigrant brothers and sisters.”
Legal status of residents of Westchester County
Studies have found that 45% of Latinos stated that they are less likely to report a crime, fearing officers will question their legal status.
Westchester County’s decision to pass such law demonstrates the importance it has to maintain safety, trust, and an open communication between the county’s residents and officials.
“The greatness of the community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members”
Coretta Scott King