The Cayuga County Legislature voted Dec. 11 to adopt a resolution expressing opposition to “excessive and unwarranted” immigration enforcement activity and urging law‑enforcement personnel to exercise prosecutorial discretion and respect constitutional protections.

The action followed an extended public‑comment period in which residents described a June immigration enforcement action in Cato. Speakers said federal agents used militarized tactics, relied on administrative rather than criminal warrants and separated workers by appearance. “Immigration enforcement is not the responsibility of the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office,” said a resident who identified himself as Will, a 20‑year Navy veteran, arguing the sheriff’s office should not be dragged into operations that local residents said violated due process. Other speakers called for a stronger noncooperation policy than the draft before the body.

The resolution — read on the floor and identified by sponsors during the meeting — states the county’s support for protecting constitutional rights and asks enforcement personnel to “strive continually exercise sound judgment and humane consideration.” County counsel and several legislators cautioned that the county has limited legal authority to direct sheriff operations; supporters said the measure is a public statement and a use of the county’s voice and purse to set expectations for conduct.

Legislators debated whether the language should go further toward noncooperation but ultimately put the drafted resolution to a vote after members said it could be strengthened later by amendment. The legislature approved the resolution during the Dec. 11 session.

What happens next: The resolution is a formal expression of the county legislature’s position; it does not change sheriff department policy or federal enforcement procedures. Legislators who said they wanted stronger measures said they would pursue amendments or additional resolutions in coming months.

Key quotes

“Immigration enforcement is not the responsibility of the Cayuga County Sheriff’s Office,” Will said. “Our law enforcement officers should never be pressured into becoming instruments that violate the constitutional rights they have sworn to uphold.”

“I don’t think it goes far enough,” said several public commenters who urged a noncooperation policy, though county counsel warned of legal limits to what the legislature can require.

Next steps: The legislature passed the resolution on Dec. 11 and indicated supporters may return with amended language or follow‑up measures to broaden its scope.