Barnhart Seeks Clarity on Monroe County Sheriff’s Immigration Enforcement Role
Monroe County Legislator Rachel Barnhart is pushing back against Sheriff Todd Baxter’s office regarding its position on immigration enforcement, particularly in relation to Operation Stonegarden, an initiative that provides funding for law enforcement agencies to assist in immigration enforcement activities.
In a letter dated Feb. 4, 2025, Barnhart requested clarification from Baxter on the Monroe County Sheriff's Office’s (MCSO) policies regarding collaboration with federal agencies such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In his Feb. 17 response, Baxter confirmed that MCSO complies with New York Attorney General Letitia James’ guidance on immigration enforcement. However, his answers have raised concerns among some legislators.
For example, when asked, “Has your office ever held, or will it hold, an individual based solely on an ICE detainer request without a warrant signed by a judge?” Baxter responded, “MCSO has and will comply with New York state law, the New York state and United States constitutions relating to the detention of any individual.”
When asked, “Will you commit to refusing to detain individuals in the Monroe County Jail who face no criminal charges but are subject to civil deportation actions by ICE?” Baxter stated, “As law enforcement professionals, we do not speculate on hypothetical scenarios.”
The sheriff’s office also stated in its response that it is “in compliance with all legal requirements referenced in the AG’s 2025 updated guidance document.”
Barnhart acknowledged Baxter's confirmation of compliance with state guidance but criticized his answers as lacking clarity on key issues.
"The sheriff states that his office cooperates and collaborates with ICE ‘in all enforcement activities that can impact the safety and security of our community.’ While that may sound reasonable, what constitutes such a threat is highly subjective," Barnhart said. "The sheriff should be transparent about the criteria he uses to determine when his office works with ICE."
Barnhart also criticized Baxter’s refusal to engage with “hypotheticals” when addressing concerns about immigration enforcement.
"In the current political climate—where President Trump has shown an utter disregard for rule of law and even refers to himself as a ‘king’—our community needs clear assurances that local leaders will uphold the Constitution," she said.
Barnhart referenced the Trump administration’s past immigration enforcement actions, stating that despite promises to focus only on criminals, its policies led to widespread detentions that included law-abiding individuals, including some with legal residency.
"We have already seen so-called hypotheticals turn into reality. Despite promises to focus only on criminals, the Trump administration’s policies led to sweeping enforcement actions that ensnared law-abiding individuals. Even immigrants in the country legally have faced threats to their status, leaving families in fear," she said.
The sheriff’s office reiterated its commitment to complying with New York state law, the U.S. Constitution, and other legal guidance in its operations. Officials emphasized that the department will not detain individuals for civil immigration matters without proper legal authority.
While Baxter affirmed MCSO’s cooperation with ICE, he declined to commit to refusing detentions for individuals subject to civil deportation actions but facing no criminal charges.
"Our responsibility is to enforce the law as directed by applicable statutes, policies, and legal guidance," Baxter stated.
Barnhart is calling for further clarification on MCSO’s criteria for cooperating with ICE. She said she and other legislators will continue pressing the sheriff’s office on the issue, particularly as discussions about grant funding for border enforcement continue.
"Sheriff Baxter’s answers are as clear as mud. Legislators will continue pressing his office on these concerns, including in upcoming discussions about grant funding for border enforcement," Barnhart said.
The issue of Operation Stonegarden funding is set to go to the full legislature for a vote on Tuesday, and is expected to pass.
See the file below for the Sheriff Office's responses
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