New York, NY, January 20, 2017 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s legal guidance to local governments and law enforcement on protecting immigrant communities.

The guidelines specifically address how local governments can enact and protect laws and policies to limit their participation in federal immigration enforcement activities.

“We commend Attorney General Schneiderman for prioritizing civil and human rights for immigrants in New York,” said Evan R. Bernstein, ADL New York Regional Director. “These guidelines encourage and lay the framework for sensible policies and laws that will ultimately foster trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.

“Entangling local police with federal immigration enforcement jeopardizes the trust these agencies require to operate effectively,” Mr. Bernstein said. “We encourage local governments to utilize these guidelines in order to ensure that immigrant communities in New York are treated with the respect and dignity we all deserve.”

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world’s leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.  Follow us on Twitter: @ADL_NY