Right now, many in our community are living in fear—fear of being detained, deported, or simply disappeared without due process. At the same time, the Police Accountability Board has been stripped of powers voters overwhelmingly supported, and the influence of federal immigration enforcement is growing stronger inside our own city.
We’ve seen RPD officers aid ICE in detaining neighbors, with little accountability. The public sees the Locust Club exercising more control over officer conduct than elected leadership. In a time of national instability, that’s not just concerning—it’s a fundamental challenge to local self-governance.
People aren’t asking for political posturing. They’re asking for protection, clarity, and leadership. The question before us is this: What can we do—right now—to strengthen our local protections and ensure our city government and resources serve the people of Rochester, not Trump’s agenda?
We owe them an answer. And we owe them action.
Tonight, local organizations are came together in support of our immigrant neighbors—because they are under attack. And if history is any guide, these attacks won’t stop there. We must stand united as a community and send a clear, unwavering message: This is our city, these are our people, and we will not let federal overreach tear our community apart.
Unity does not mean silence. We can love our city and still demand more from those elected to serve it. Our leaders have tools they can use right now to protect us—strengthen oversight, clarify policy, and ensure that Rochester law enforcement is not used to carry out unjust federal agendas.
Let’s continue to show up, speak out, and hold the line—for all of us.