Claims It Will Have A Negative Impact On The County
Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin has penned a letter to Troy City Councilman David Bissember, asking him to reconsider his legislation, believing it will undermine efforts to protect those who live and work in the city of Troy and Rensselaer County as a whole. He cites a rise in violent crime throughout the County, and specifically what he labeled as two shocking murders in Troy and Brunswick in 2016, that were allegedly committed by four illegal aliens. He also points out the strong opposition to the legislation by the Troy Police Department and the officers represented by the Police Benevolent Association.
Sheriff Russo Also Opposes the Measure
Speaking with The Eastwick Press on Tuesday morning. December 4, Rensselaer County Sheriff Pat Russo said he too is strongly against Mr. Bissember’s proposal, saying “it is not in the best interest of the public.”
Sheriff Russo was very clear that not all illegal aliens are criminals, but he does feel making Troy a sanctuary city will entice a criminal element to move in and try to blend into the population. He also cites a recidivism rate of about 10 percent of illegal aliens who are detained but released, who go out and commit another crime.
In his letter, Mr. McLaughlin says significant and meaningful changes to federal immigration policy should be made at the federal level, and not by incremental legislation at the local level. He also calls upon Councilman Bissember to instead, “work cooperatively with our police, including the Troy Police Department, to improve public safety service for all residents.”