Ontario and Seneca County Sheriffs Clarify Roles in Immigration Enforcement
The Sheriffs of Ontario and Seneca counties have issued separate statements outlining their departments' positions on immigration enforcement, emphasizing their commitment to public safety while clarifying the legal limitations placed on local law enforcement.
Ontario County Sheriff’s Statement
Sheriff David J. Cirencione of Ontario County addressed public inquiries regarding his department’s role in enforcing federal immigration laws. He emphasized that sheriff’s deputies do not have the authority to arrest or detain individuals solely based on their immigration status. Under federal and New York State law, local deputies are not permitted to enforce Section 1325 of Title 8 of the U.S. Code, which governs improper entry into the country.
Additionally, the Ontario County Sheriff’s Office stated that it does not detain individuals beyond their scheduled release dates based on administrative warrants or detainers issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Only federal criminal warrants, signed by a judge or magistrate, can be executed by local law enforcement. The department assured that it would cooperate with federal agencies in executing such warrants when requested.
While the state’s Green Light Law restricts local law enforcement from sharing Department of Motor Vehicles data with ICE and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Sheriff’s Office noted that other information, such as court dates and release schedules for incarcerated individuals, can still be legally provided.
Sheriff Cirencione reiterated that his office remains dedicated to the safety and security of Ontario County residents and visitors. He emphasized ongoing collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to maintain public safety.
Seneca County Sheriff’s Position
Similarly, Seneca County Sheriff Timothy J. Thompson Jr. issued a statement detailing his department’s stance on immigration enforcement amid ongoing national debates. In a letter to county residents dated February 6, 2025, Sheriff Thompson highlighted the need to balance law enforcement responsibilities while complying with constitutional and legal obligations.
He explained that the Seneca County Correctional Facility will honor any federal arrest warrant signed by a magistrate, holding individuals as it would for any other law enforcement agency. Likewise, if a deputy sheriff encounters an individual in the community with an outstanding federal arrest warrant, the agency that issued the warrant will be notified and will take custody of the individual.
Sheriff Thompson also clarified that while his office respects the authority of federal immigration agencies, deputies are prohibited from obstructing or undermining federal law enforcement actions. In emergency situations involving federal immigration authorities, deputies will provide assistance. However, if the request is not urgent, a commanding officer will determine whether assistance should be provided.
Addressing concerns about information-sharing, Sheriff Thompson cited New York State restrictions on database access for federal immigration agencies. He stated that Seneca County deputies would not share protected information through these systems to prevent potential legal liabilities.
Acknowledging the complexities of immigration enforcement, Sheriff Thompson noted that policies may evolve due to legal rulings or executive actions. However, he expressed confidence that current department guidelines offer clarity and legal protection for law enforcement personnel.
Sheriff Thompson reaffirmed his office’s dedication to public safety, emphasizing that while immigration enforcement is primarily a federal issue, any local impacts remain a concern. He assured residents that his department remains focused on serving and protecting the community while adhering to legal mandates.
Both sheriff’s offices continue to monitor developments in immigration policy and its implications for local law enforcement.
