Protest Against "S-Comm" Held At Cuomo's Office
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Immigrant and civil rights advocates stepped up the pressure on Governor Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday to pull the state out of a controversial deportation program.
Protesters rallied in Midtown to call for an end to the "Secure Communities" program, which forces police to share information on anyone arrested with federal immigration officials.
Advocates said most people who are caught under the program are never convicted of any crime, but instead are herded into detention centers. They also said it erodes trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement.
"By having a policy like secure communities, where people can be deported simply for doing absolutely nothing wrong, it creates more suspicion in those communities," said Queens Councilman Daniel Dromm.
"It pushes immigrant communities into the shadows and makes them fearful of coming into contact with the police department," said Udi Ofer of the New York Civil Liberties Union.
Dozens of lawmakers have urged the governor to withdraw from the program.
Cuomo has said his office is reviewing the state's participation.