Tells Deputies Governor’s Orders Does Not Apply to Them

Buffalo, NY – Erie County Sheriff Timothy B. Howard today issued a directive to all Erie County Sheriff's law enforcement personnel in response to Governor Cuomo's executive order requiring state agencies to ignore immigration status of undocumented immigrants.

The Sheriff's directive instructs all personnel to continue reporting any and all suspicions of encounters, such as domestic violence incidents or vehicle and traffic stops, involving undocumented individuals to federal law enforcement, consistent with prior policy. 

"Our officers have sworn a solemn oath to uphold the law.  Today, I have instructed my Deputies to continue enforcing the law, irrespective of Governor Cuomo's executive order,” said Sheriff Howard. 

The Sheriff ordered all law enforcement personnel who have detained or are investigating persons involved in suspicious activity to continue inquiring about immigration status, which is the current policy and in full accordance with legal directives issued by the federal government.

"There is no duty more important than protecting our citizens and upholding the rule of law.  As Sheriff, part of my job is enforcing our constitution and the law, regardless of what cheap political points Albany politicians are looking to score," said Howard.