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Buffalo Mayor Signs Order Halting City Help in Civil Immigration Enforcement

The directive codifies existing practices to encourage residents to seek city services without fear of immigration consequences.

Overview

  • Mayor Sean Ryan’s first executive order bars all city departments from using personnel, funds or resources to assist with federal civil immigration enforcement.
  • The policy prohibits employees from collecting immigration status except where required by law, restricts access to nonpublic city facilities without a judicial warrant, and directs departments to protect due process in custody.
  • City officials stress the order does not affect criminal enforcement, with police continuing to honor valid warrants, court orders and all legal obligations.
  • A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson criticized the move as a public-safety risk, while local civil-rights and immigrant advocacy groups praised it as strengthening community trust.
  • The order takes effect immediately, is not labeled a sanctuary designation by the city, and comes as nearby municipalities review cooperation policies and as the Trump administration escalates enforcement and funding threats toward noncooperation jurisdictions.