The Cayuga County Legislature on a voice vote adopted a resolution expressing opposition to “excessive and unwarranted immigration enforcement activity,” following more than an hour of public comment from residents who described local ICE actions as traumatic and constitutionally concerning.

Public commenters including Lee Whaley of Auburn urged lawmakers to take a stronger stance than the version drafted for tonight. “I don’t know about you, but there are days that I wake up and question where I’m living,” Whaley said, describing what she called aggressive tactics and racial profiling in recent federal immigration operations.

The resolution, introduced by multiple legislators and read into the record by a sponsor, frames the measure as a message to law enforcement to exercise prosecutorial discretion and to protect Fourth Amendment and due‑process rights. Supporters said the language was intentionally measured to avoid interfering with valid criminal warrants while signaling community concern; several speakers called for later amendments to move toward a formal non‑cooperation policy.

At the hearing and floor debate, legislators who had sought stronger language said they would return with amendments; others urged immediate passage so the county could send a timely message. One sponsor said legal research showed limits on county authority to block federal actions and that the resolution uses the county’s purse strings and public voice rather than a blanket non‑cooperation order.

The legislature approved the resolution and set in motion possible follow‑up work by members who want to expand or clarify its terms. The body indicated it could revisit and amend the language in coming months after additional legal review and consultation with stakeholders.

The vote came amid a broader public comment period in which residents also raised budget and community‑service concerns; the legislature proceeded to other agenda items after passage.