Albany, NY – Assemblymember Robert Carroll (D/WF - 44), Chair of the Assembly Committee on Libraries and Education Technology, today called for the Sensitive Location Protection Act proposed by Governor Hochul in the Fiscal 2026-27 Executive Budget to include libraries.

The Governor’s proposed legislation would codify in state law the requirement that ICE only enter certain locations such as schools, houses of worship, hospitals, and day care centers with a judicial warrant. ICE has been defying long-standing precedent in this regard by entering these spaces without such warrants. 

“ICE may be stepping back in Minnesota, but this doesn't mean an end to their unconstitutional and immoral behavior” said Assemblymember Robert Carroll. “Governor Hochul is correct to propose that New York State law should make it clear that New Yorkers going to school or attending religious services should be protected from warrantless immigration enforcement and libraries should be afforded the same protection. In addition to their core mission as centers of learning and enjoyment they perform a host of services for community members including immigrants and are among our most democratic civic institutions welcoming to all.”

“New York’s libraries are relied on as safe, trusted spaces that anchor communities across our state. They offer free and equal access to information for all people and do so with the promise that all visitors possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use," said AnnaLee Dragon, Executive Director of the New York Library Association. "New York must act now to safeguard this access and ensure that every member of our statewide community retains the right to enjoy their local library uninhibited by fear for their safety or that of their family, friends, or neighbors.”

Assemblymember Carroll believes ICE’s lawlessness and the authoritarian behavior of the Trump Administration must be actively opposed and will continue working with his colleagues in government and concerned citizens to ensure New York remains true to its democratic values and commitment to a diverse and open society where all can thrive.