In dramatic footage that went viral on social media, hundreds of residents packed Rockland County’s Government Center in New City on February 3, 2026, protesting a draft Democratic-led proposal, the so-called “Safety and Dignity for All Act,” sponsored by Legislator Beth Davidson, to limit local law enforcement’s cooperation with ICE.
For context, the bill, not yet publicly released in full, sparked bipartisan backlash over public safety concerns, and it was pulled from the agenda after discussion, with no public comment allowed until a future hearing. Responding to the uproar, County Executive Ed Day called it “a solution looking for a problem,” praising police for the county’s safety ranking. Likewise, Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) hailed the withdrawal as a victory against “lawlessness.”
Breaking down the situation, County Executive Ed Day quipped, “This is a solution looking for a problem. We haven’t had any issues in Rockland related to ICE cooperation,” adding, “We are the third safest county in the state. That didn’t happen because of Bette Davidson—it happened because of the cops doing their jobs.”
Responding on social media, Lawler stated, “Sanctuary policies are idiotic and dangerous. They make our communities less safe, endanger the public, put law enforcement in a difficult position, and violate federal law. Rockland County stands with law enforcement.”
“Rockland County stands for public safety. And Rockland County will not adopt policies that make our communities less safe. As long as I am a Congressman, Rockland County will not become a Sanctuary County,” he said to address the controversial bill.
Agreeing with the congressman, one user added, “They should have been banned immediately but no we let them think it was a thing. Sanctuary cities violate federal immigration laws. It’s that simple. File a few lawsuits against mayors & governors. List every city council member that vote yes in the law suit.”
However, some conservatives in the comments were quick to pounce on perceived hypocrisy. “You are pushing the “Dignity Act” that shields illegals. What happened to you, Mike? You used to be a contender. DACA failed. They hate our nation, our laws, and protect illegals who harm children. No more Amnesty. Their anchor babies encourage anti-American views in schools,” a conservative user retorted.
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“Ok so you don’t want Sanctuary cities, you just want all the illegals in those sanctuary cities to be granted citizenship to wreak havoc on the country. Got it. HUGE difference @RepMikeLawler,” another angry comment stated, adding, “Loser.”
Watch the clip of the patriotic residents showing up to shut down the sanctuary city move here:
“You won’t be a congressman for very long. You hitched your wagon to a corrupt administration and it’s going to cost you your job when voters have their say this November,” noted one Trump supporter. Likewise, another declared, “Illegal immigration must stop and if you entered our Country illegally- then you should be sent back to your home Country, if you have not committed any other crime, except illegal entry then you can be allowed via our legal process to return.”
Featured image: screengrab from the embedded video