Top NY officials discuss legal aid for immigrant minors, condemn possibility of ICE shock gloves
Among the people in attendance was Linda Wolff, an activist who says she was sprayed by a chemical irritant while part of a rapid response documenting ICE activity in Inwood at the end of July.
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Top New York officials like Mayor Zhoran Mamdani, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letita James gathered in Manhattan on Wednesday to discuss what they're calling a fight against federal and Immigration and Customs Enforcement overreach.
Among the people in attendance was Linda Wolff, an activist who says she was sprayed by a chemical irritant while part of a rapid response documenting ICE activity in Inwood at the end of July.
“What it feels like is that I have no rights," said Wolff.
Under a new law signed by Hochul, Wolff says she plans on pursuing legal action. The governor says the new law would allow New Yorkers to sue federal, state and local officials for violation of their civil rights.
In the latest measure, Hochul announced $7.25 million in funding for legal services for unaccompanied immigrant minors facing removal proceedings in New York. She estimates about 1,400 children will utilize it.
"When they sat in the courtroom, their feet didn't touch the ground. Some of them had toys in their hands. Some of them looked around in bewilderment. Some of them were alone. Most of them were alone. No parents, no guardians, no lawyers. That cannot happen again," said Attorney General Letita James.
Another topic at the press conference was the possibility of ICE giving officers shock gloves intended to gain compliance from combative individuals.
"It appears to me on its face to be a violation of civil rights to cause that kind of physical harm to an individual," said Hochul.
News 12 also spoke with Republican Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, who represents New York's 11th Congressional District. Malliotakis says she doesn't support the new law and funding.
“Makes it even harder for any type of cooperation between local and federal law enforcement and that’s wrong. I don’t think we should be providing legal services to anyone who is in the country illegally,” said Malliotakis.
Hochul also says law enforcement has less than two weeks to end any civil enforcement agreements with ICE.
News 12 reached out to the Department of Homeland Security and has not yet heard back.
