Rockland News - No paywall. No paper. Just the facts.

News from Rockland County, New York

Rockland County

Allison-Parris County Office Building
11 New Hempstead Rd
New City, NY 10956
Phone: (845) 638-5122
Website

Looking for Events? Visit the Rockland County Tourism Map

Rockland WIC Program Awarded $85K Grant

By

NEW CITY, NY — The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) has been awarded $85,000 to support its “Fresh Start: WIC Access and Nutrition Equity Program,” which is designed to increase access to nutrition education and healthy food options for low-income families.

The funding, provided by the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, will support program enhancements including the hiring of additional staff. These staff members will focus on providing nutrition education and promoting the use of local farmers’ markets among Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants.

According to the health department, the Fresh Start initiative is intended to reduce obstacles that can prevent eligible individuals from accessing WIC services and nutritious foods, particularly fresh fruits and vegetables.

Currently, the Rockland WIC program operates across four locations—Haverstraw, Monsey, New Square, and Spring Valley—and serves more than 20,000 women, infants, and children.

The funding is set to be distributed over the course of one year, from January 1 to December 31, 2026. Opportunities for renewal or extended support may be considered in the future.

Rockland County Commissioner of Health Dr. Mary Leahy expressed appreciation for the grant, noting that the resources could help improve health outcomes for young families enrolled in the WIC program.

For more information on the WIC program or eligibility, residents are encouraged to contact the Rockland County Department of Health.

Protesters Pack Rockland Legislature Over ICE Legislation

By

Editor’s note: This story is currently being updated.

New City, NY – A tense yet orderly evening unfolded at the Rockland County Legislature as residents packed the New City-based Government Center to protest a proposed law that would restrict local law enforcement cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The legislation, still in draft form and not yet formally released to the press, sparked widespread concern across ideological lines, drawing hundreds to a legislative meeting where the item was ultimately pulled from the agenda.

Full House, Divided Lines

Arlene Kahn, who was on the scene and provided footage to Rockland News, described a building filled to capacity, with lines of citizens stretching around the property. Protesters and supporters on both sides of the debate—some waving signs, others simply hoping to enter—lined up peacefully despite palpable tension. Another local resident from Clarkstown stated that there was at least 400-500 people at the building, and most were not able to get in, due to long lines that spanned around the block.

The gathering was sparked by what many are referring to as a “surprise bill” seeking to alter how local law enforcement collaborates with ICE, potentially mirroring a 2018 Westchester County law. No final text of the proposed legislation has been publicly released, and its sponsor, Legislator Beth Davidson, had yet to comment in detail on the bill that was introduced.

Legislation Pulled — For Now

According to attendees and later confirmed by officials, the legislation was removed from the evening’s agenda following some discussion. The item is now expected to be reintroduced at a future meeting. In a previous post, it was reported that it would be placed on a public safety agenda on February 27th. However, if this date changes, we will update this story with the correct new date.

A sheriff’s officer reportedly told attendees that no public comment would be taken on the measure until a hearing date is set.

County Executive Ed Day: “A Solution Looking for a Problem”

In a recent podcast interview, County Executive Ed Day denounced the proposed law, describing it as hastily introduced and lacking consultation with law enforcement.

“This is a solution looking for a problem,” Day said. “We haven’t had any issues in Rockland related to ICE cooperation.”

He added that the legislation bypassed standard protocol and lacked input from police or minority legislators. “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,” he said.

Day, a former NYPD commander, accused state and national politicians of encouraging unsafe policies and rejected any effort to designate Rockland a “sanctuary county.”

Congressman Mike Lawler: “It Should Be Defeated Now”

Congressman Mike Lawler weighed in forcefully on social media, calling the proposal “a radical idea cooked up by out-of-touch activists.”

“Rockland County stood up and said no,” Lawler wrote. “It would have tied the hands of local law enforcement, made our communities less safe, and sent a clear message that Rockland tolerates lawlessness.”

Lawler praised the bipartisan opposition to the proposal and characterized its withdrawal as a victory for public safety.

Social Media Reaction: Vigilance and Concern

On local Facebook community groups, residents shared reactions ranging from relief to skepticism.

  • Stephen Pisani warned: “It’s been postponed, thankfully, but that does not mean it won’t return under a different form or name.”
  • Thomas James Woods offered a more neutral take: “ICE should be able to find criminal elements just as well, or better than Rockland County police agencies.”

What Comes Next

While the legislation has been temporarily withdrawn, the community’s strong response ensures the issue will remain at the forefront of local political discourse. With concerns about transparency, public safety, and immigration enforcement fueling the debate, all eyes now turn to the next legislative meeting—date still to be announced.

As County Executive Day emphasized, “We’re going down a bad road here… If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

Rockland County Officials Debate New Law Limiting ICE Cooperation

By

Democrats Say It Protects Families; Republicans Warn It Threatens Safety.

By Kimmie Anderson

New City, NY — A proposed law in Rockland County has sparked debate between Democrats and Republicans over how local police should interact with federal immigration agents.

The bill, called the “Safety and Dignity for All Act”, was introduced by Democratic Legislator Beth Davidson last week on an upcoming public safety agenda (original story here). If passed, it would limit when and how local government employees, including police officers, can work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Rockland County’s Legislative calendar is listed on their website, here.

Under the bill, Rockland officials would only be allowed to cooperate with ICE if they have a federal criminal warrant—not just an immigration request. Supporters say this would protect immigrants from being unfairly detained or deported. Critics say it would put public safety at risk.

Democrats Say the Bill Is About Fairness and Trust

During a press release that was provided on Friday at 11 am, Davidson and fellow Democrats defended the bill, saying it would help families feel safer and prevent ICE from targeting people unfairly.

“Kids are skipping school because they’re afraid their parents will be deported,” Davidson said. “This bill doesn’t protect criminals—it protects the Constitution.”

The law would:

  • Stop police and county workers from holding someone just because ICE asked.
  • Prevent local officials from acting like federal immigration agents.
  • Allow cooperation with ICE only when there’s a federal criminal warrant.
  • Forbid using someone’s immigration status as a reason to question or arrest them.

Davidson said the law would make sure local government follows the Constitution and focuses on keeping communities safe—not doing ICE’s job.

Legislator Dana Stilley added that this isn’t the first time government power has been misused. “During the civil rights movement, authorities used laws to silence people and scare communities,” she said. “We can’t repeat that.”

Majority Leader Alden Wolfe said the bill would help build trust between the public and local government. “People shouldn’t be afraid to go to the doctor, send their kids to school, or call 911,” he said.

Republicans Say It’s a “Sanctuary” Bill That Puts People in Danger

At a separate press conference the same day, at 12 noon, Republican leaders spoke out strongly against the bill. They say it would make Rockland a “sanctuary county,” where undocumented immigrants can avoid law enforcement.

“Sanctuary policies are dangerous,” said Rep. Mike Lawler. “This bill would stop local police from working with ICE, even when they’re dealing with criminals.”

Lawler and others pointed to crimes committed in nearby counties by undocumented immigrants as evidence that the law would make communities less safe.

Sean O’Connor, president of the Rockland County Police Benevolent Association (PBA), said the bill would hurt police investigations. “We work with ICE to get information that helps us get criminal warrants,” he said. “This bill would cut off that communication.”

County Executive Ed Day, a former NYPD commander, said the bill puts politics ahead of public safety. “This is a dangerous move, and I won’t support it,” Day said.

Disagreements Over Process, Too

Some Republicans also criticized how the bill was introduced. Legislator Lon Hofstein said they didn’t get enough time to review it. “We were given a copy of Westchester’s law with no explanation,” he said.

Democrats said that wasn’t unusual. Legislator Paul Cleary, who chairs the Public Safety Committee, said setting a public hearing before the final version is ready is standard practice. “Westchester passed a similar law years ago,” he added. “And it’s doing just fine.”

What Would the Law Do?

Supporters say the bill doesn’t make Rockland a “sanctuary” county. Instead, they argue that it ensures local law enforcement focuses on criminal activity—not immigration enforcement, which is a federal responsibility.

Republicans disagree. They say the bill would block useful cooperation and make it harder to deal with undocumented immigrants who commit crimes.

“Most crimes are handled at the state level,” said Lawler. “This bill would stop local police from working with ICE in many of those cases.”

National Tensions, Local Consequences

The debate comes as national conversations about immigration heat up. Recent protests and deadly shootings related to ICE enforcement have made the issue even more urgent. Democrats say the bill is a reasonable response to federal overreach. Republicans say it’s a dangerous idea that will make the county less safe.

The bill hasn’t been scheduled for a vote yet. But with Democrats holding a supermajority in the legislature, they could pass the bill even if County Executive Ed Day vetoes it—if they all choose vote along party lines.

Rockland County Legislature Debates ICE Law for County, Officials Argue

By

New City, NY – A contentious immigration bill under consideration in the Rockland County Legislature is igniting fierce debate among local officials and residents. The proposed legislation, titled the Our Safety and Dignity for All Act, seeks to limit the extent to which county agencies and employees can cooperate with federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), mirroring a similar law passed in Westchester County in 2018.

The initiative, led by Democratic Legislator Beth Davidson, would prohibit county law enforcement and employees from honoring ICE detainers without judicial warrants, notifying ICE about the release of individuals from custody, or sharing immigration status information—except in cases involving criminal investigations.

Davidson, who is also vying for the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican Congressman Mike Lawler in November, defended the legislation as a matter of community safety and civil rights.

“Our Safety and Dignity for All Act will protect all Rockland residents from (The President’s) rogue ICE agents while complying with judicial warrants and following the law,” Davidson said in a public statement.

Elected Officials Respond

New York State Senator Bill Weber, and Village of Nyack Mayor Joseph Rand were on AM Rockland News this morning, to respond.

NYS Senator Weber: “This Is Radical Pandering”

State Senator Bill Weber criticized the bill as an instance of “radical left-wing pandering,” specifically targeting its sponsor, County Legislator Beth Davidson, who is currently running for Congress. He argued that the proposal was an attempt to import national debates into a suburban setting that values law and order.

“Rockland County is not San Francisco, Minneapolis, or New York City,” Weber asserted. “We are a safe, suburban community, and we want to keep it that way.” He emphasized his support for cooperation between local law enforcement and federal agencies, particularly in cases involving violent or repeat criminal offenders. “It’s a hard no on Rockland being a sanctuary county,” he stated firmly during the broadcast.

Mayor Joseph Rand: “This Is Not Law Enforcement—It’s Abuse”

In contrast, Mayor Joe Rand of Nyack expressed conditional support for the concept behind the legislation, citing recent controversial ICE operations in Minnesota as evidence of systemic abuse rather than legitimate law enforcement activity.

“I support law enforcement,” Rand said, “but ICE, as it’s currently operating, is not law enforcement. They escalate, they intimidate, and they target people without cause.” He accused ICE of employing untrained and unscreened agents who conduct aggressive and discriminatory operations in civilian spaces. “We’ve seen them trolling through Targets and Home Depots, detaining people for having a Spanish accent,” Rand said.

Rand also stated that while he needs to read the full text of the bill from beginning to end, he defended the principle behind it if it was similar to other similar legislation that has begun to be codified in various parts of the United States: “If this legislation prevents that kind of abuse from happening in Rockland, then yes, I support it.” He distinguished his position from accusations of being soft on crime or anti-law enforcement, pointing instead to ICE’s alleged lack of oversight and professionalism.

Both guests are running for election as Senator, New York State’s District 38 – which covers most of Rockland County.

Statements from Elected Officials for Rockland County

Other critics have put statements out to the press that have also swiftly condemned – or supported – the Rockland-based legislation.

Rep. Lawler, whose 17th Congressional District covers all of Rockland County, accused Davidson of “sacrificing public safety for political gain.”

“Beth Davidson is willing to sacrifice the safety of Rockland County residents for the support of far-left radical Democrats she believes can help her win her congressional primary,” Lawler said in a press release. He warned that the law could create legal and bureaucratic hurdles that hinder law enforcement and potentially endanger public safety.

County Executive Ed Day, a Republican and retired NYPD commander, also pledged to veto the bill, calling it “reckless” and asserting that it would effectively turn Rockland into a “sanctuary county.”

“Public safety decisions require experience, deliberation, and respect for the realities faced by law enforcement. This legislation was rushed through and copied word for word from Westchester County by individuals who have never carried a badge or been responsible for public safety operations. That’s not how responsible policy is made and there’s no way I would support it. Ultimately, immigration is a Federal issue and requires a Federal solution.”

“Rockland will not become a sanctuary county under my watch,” Day said.

Despite the opposition, Democrats hold a supermajority in the Rockland County Legislature, granting them the power to override a veto if they remain unified. Davidson’s office clarified that the proposed bill would not shield individuals engaged in criminal conduct and would comply with all judicial orders.

State Senator Bill Weber added to the criticism, challenging his Democratic opponent Joe Rand to publicly disavow the legislation.

“This kind of radical left-wing pandering has no place in our community,” Weber stated.

The debate arrives amid heightened national attention on immigration policy, following recent ICE operations and citizen deaths during protests in Minneapolis.

Officials Issue 51 Code Violations, $42K in Fines at Spring Valley Property Tied to Child Death

By

Rockland County, NY — Rockland County officials have issued 51 building and safety violations and assessed approximately $42,000 in penalties against the owner of a Spring Valley property following an inspection prompted by a police response to a child’s death at the residence.

The Rockland County Office of Buildings and Codes said the violations were identified at 18 White St., a property owned by Joel Friedman of Spring Valley. Inspectors were requested to examine the residence on Jan. 22 after the Spring Valley Police Department responded to a 911 call involving the death of a child at the location. Police said the child’s death and its cause remain under investigation. County officials emphasized there is no indication at this time that the condition of the building contributed to the child’s death.

According to the county, the property is certified as a two-family residence. Under the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, one- and two-family homes are not subject to routine inspections. Officials said inspections may only occur when a complaint provides sufficient evidence to establish probable cause, consistent with constitutional protections against unreasonable searches.

County officials said police officers observed a converted garage and submitted a complaint that led to the inspection. It was the first inspection request the Office of Buildings and Codes has received for the property, and there is no record of prior violations.

During the inspection, officials determined that the second floor, garage and basement had been unlawfully converted for residential use, contrary to the building’s certificate of occupancy. Inspectors also found that areas deemed uninhabitable, including the basement and garage, were being occupied. County officials reported that garage doors and windows had been boarded up.

Additional violations cited included alterations made without required permits, unsafe electrical wiring, the use of hot plates and portable heaters, blocked or obstructed exits, combustible materials inside the structure, and missing or nonfunctioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the building.

Officials said no children were present when inspectors arrived at the property.

County leaders also addressed social media claims suggesting the property was operating as a daycare. Officials said there was no exterior signage, licensing information or other visible evidence indicating the residence was being used as a childcare facility. They urged residents to report suspected illegal childcare operations or unsafe living conditions to authorities, noting that inspections of two-family homes can only occur when complaints are supported by substantial facts.

Rockland County Executive Ed Day said the case highlights the importance of reporting potential safety hazards. “The County can and will act decisively when violations are identified, but we depend on residents to report unsafe conditions—especially in properties that are not subject to routine inspections,” Day said in a statement.

Edward Markunas, director of the Rockland County Office of Buildings and Codes, said the violations posed serious risks. “Unlawful conversions, blocked exits, unsafe electrical conditions and a lack of smoke and CO detectors put occupants at significant risk,” Markunas said.

The county said Child Protective Services is involved and continues to coordinate with law enforcement and other agencies as appropriate.

Rockland County officials encouraged residents to report building and code violations within the Village of Spring Valley to the Office of Buildings and Codes. Sanitary code violations may be reported to the Center for Rockland Codes Investigations, and unlicensed construction work may be reported to the county’s Office of Consumer Protection. The Rockland County Department of Health’s Healthy Neighborhoods Program also offers free smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to eligible residents.

Translate »