Broome County Legislator Mary Kaminsky resigned from the county’s Reentry Reform Advisory Group in July 2025, protesting the sheriff’s decision to detain immigrants for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Broome County Jail. Her resignation highlights a growing debate over immigration enforcement and the role of local jails in federal detention programs.
A Local Leader Steps Down Over Immigration Detention
Mary Kaminsky, a well-known Broome County legislator, left her position on the Reentry Reform Advisory Group in mid-July 2025. She made her decision clear: she could not support Sheriff Fred Akshar’s policy of holding ICE detainees in the county jail. Kaminsky explained that the decision was made “without transparency, without any community input or any legislative oversight.” Her resignation has brought even more attention to the ongoing debate about the detention of immigrants in Broome County.
Sheriff’s Defense and Policy Background
Sheriff Fred Akshar responded by defending the county’s actions. He said that detaining people for federal agencies, including ICE, “has been done for decades” in Broome County. According to Akshar, this is not a new practice. He also pointed out that the jail has been improving its programs for inmates and helping people reenter society after serving time. Sheriff Akshar stated that the advisory group’s work would continue, even without Kaminsky’s involvement.
As of March 2025, the Broome County Jail held 21 ICE detainees. This number has gone up since President Trump returned to office in January 2025, which led to more federal immigration enforcement across the United States 🇺🇸. The sheriff’s office says the jail has enough staff and space to handle the extra detainees and that the arrangement brings in federal funding.
How Broome County Works with ICE
Broome County participates in a federal program called 287(g), specifically the “warrant service officer” part. This program allows trained correction officers to serve immigration warrants to inmates who are already in jail. It does not let local officers go out into the community to arrest people for immigration violations. Sheriff Akshar has said he is willing to help ICE more if asked, but for now, the county’s role is limited to serving warrants and holding detainees until ICE picks them up.
Community and Political Response
The decision to hold ICE detainees at the Broome County Jail has sparked strong reactions. Local advocates, some legislators, and immigrant rights groups argue that this policy damages trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities. They say it was put in place without enough public input or oversight from elected officials.
The Binghamton City Democratic Committee and other local organizations have spoken out against the sheriff’s policy. They have publicly supported Mary Kaminsky’s resignation and called for more transparency and community involvement in decisions about immigration detention.
Key Points from Stakeholders
- Mary Kaminsky: She resigned to protest the lack of transparency and community input in the decision to detain immigrants for ICE.
- Sheriff Fred Akshar: He defends the policy as a long-standing practice and says the jail is prepared to handle the detainees. He also points to improvements in jail programs and reentry services.
- Local Advocacy Groups: These groups strongly oppose the county’s cooperation with ICE. They are pushing for state laws to end such contracts and want more oversight and transparency.
- Binghamton City Democratic Committee: This group supports Kaminsky’s decision and has criticized the sheriff’s policy.
How the 287(g) Program Works in Broome County
The 287(g) program is a federal agreement that lets local law enforcement help with immigration enforcement. In Broome County, the agreement is limited to the jail. Here’s how it works:
- Correction officers receive ICE training to serve immigration warrants to inmates already in custody.
- The jail does not conduct proactive immigration enforcement in the community. Officers do not go out looking for people to arrest for immigration violations.
- ICE detainees are held in the jail until federal authorities come to take custody.
This arrangement is legal under federal law, and the sheriff’s office says it is consistent with what Broome County has done for many years. However, critics argue that the decision was made without enough input from the community or the county legislature.
Broader Policy Context and Statewide Efforts
Broome County is not alone in New York when it comes to holding ICE detainees. Nassau and Rensselaer counties also have similar agreements, and Orange and Clinton counties have significant ICE detention operations.
At the state level, lawmakers are considering the “Dignity Not Detention Act.” This bill would stop local governments from making contracts with ICE to detain immigrants in local jails. As of April 2025, the bill had not passed, but advocacy efforts have grown stronger, especially after high-profile detentions and increased ICE activity in New York.
For more information about the 287(g) program and how it works, readers can visit the official U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement 287(g) Program page.
Implications for Detainees and the Community
The detention of immigrants in Broome County Jail has real consequences for the people involved and the wider community:
- For detainees: Immigrants held in the jail may face longer detention times and uncertainty about their legal status or possible deportation. Many detainees worry about being separated from their families and losing their jobs or homes.
- For the community: The policy has increased tension and mistrust between immigrant communities and law enforcement. Some people are now afraid to report crimes or cooperate with police, fearing that any contact could lead to immigration checks or detention.
- For county operations: Sheriff Akshar says the jail has enough resources and staff to manage the extra detainees. He also notes that the arrangement brings in federal funding, which helps support jail operations.
Legal and Policy Risks
Experts warn that local cooperation with ICE can create legal risks for counties. For example, if someone is held in jail longer than allowed by law, the county could face lawsuits. There are also concerns that working with ICE can strain local resources and make it harder for law enforcement to build trust with the community.
Immigrant rights groups argue that local participation in ICE detention goes against New York’s values. They are calling for state lawmakers to pass the Dignity Not Detention Act and end these contracts statewide.
Voices from the Community
Many people in Broome County have spoken out about the detention of immigrants in the local jail. Some support the sheriff’s policy, saying it is important to cooperate with federal law enforcement. Others, like Mary Kaminsky and local advocacy groups, believe the policy is wrong and was put in place without enough input from the community.
The Binghamton City Democratic Committee released a statement supporting Kaminsky’s resignation. They said the sheriff’s decision “undermines the trust and safety of our immigrant neighbors” and called for more transparency and oversight.
Local advocacy groups, such as UnLocal and the New York Immigration Coalition, have organized rallies and information sessions to help affected families. They are also working to connect detainees with legal help and support services.
What’s Next for Broome County and New York State?
The future of immigration detention in Broome County depends on several factors:
- State Legislation: The Dignity Not Detention Act could change everything. If it passes, Broome County and other local governments would no longer be able to contract with ICE to detain immigrants in local jails. Advocacy groups are pushing hard for the bill, but its fate is still uncertain.
- Federal Enforcement Trends: With President Trump’s administration focusing more on immigration enforcement, local jails in New York and other states are under pressure to cooperate with ICE. Unless state law changes, this trend is likely to continue.
- Community Action: Local groups and some legislators are calling for more transparency and community involvement in decisions about immigration detention. They want to make sure that any policies reflect the values and needs of the people who live in Broome County.
Practical Guidance for Affected Individuals
If you or someone you know is affected by immigration detention in Broome County, there are steps you can take:
- Contact local advocacy groups like UnLocal or the New York Immigration Coalition for legal help and support.
- Stay informed about your rights and the latest policy changes. Many organizations offer free workshops and information sessions.
- Reach out to elected officials to share your concerns and ask for more transparency and oversight in local decisions about immigration detention.
For official statements and policy details, you can visit the Broome County Sheriff’s Office website.
Expert Analysis and Broader Impact
Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that local cooperation with ICE, like what is happening in Broome County, can have far-reaching effects. It can make immigrant communities feel less safe and less likely to trust law enforcement. This can lead to fewer people reporting crimes or seeking help when they need it.
At the same time, local governments must balance the need to follow federal law with the needs and values of their communities. The debate in Broome County shows how difficult these decisions can be, especially when there is not enough transparency or community input.
Looking Ahead: Possible Solutions and Next Steps
There are several ways Broome County and other communities can address the challenges of immigration detention:
- Increase transparency: Make sure that decisions about working with ICE are made in public, with input from community members and elected officials.
- Strengthen oversight: Create independent groups to review detention policies and make recommendations.
- Support affected families: Provide legal help, counseling, and other services to people impacted by detention.
- Advocate for state and federal changes: Work with lawmakers to pass laws that reflect the values and needs of the community.
Conclusion
As of July 24, 2025, the detention of immigrants in Broome County Jail remains a deeply divisive issue. Mary Kaminsky’s resignation from the county’s Reentry Reform Advisory Group has brought new attention to the lack of transparency and community input in decisions about immigration enforcement. Sheriff Fred Akshar continues to defend the policy, saying it is legal and necessary, while critics push for more oversight and an end to local cooperation with ICE.
The future of immigration detention in Broome County will depend on state legislation, federal enforcement trends, and the ongoing efforts of local advocates and community members. For now, the debate continues, with real consequences for detainees, their families, and the broader community.
For those seeking more information or support, local advocacy groups and official government resources are available. Staying informed and involved is the best way to ensure that policies reflect the needs and values of everyone in Broome County.
Learn Today
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) → Federal agency enforcing immigration laws and detaining undocumented immigrants in the U.S.
287(g) Program → Federal agreement allowing trained local officers to serve immigration warrants within jails only.
Dignity Not Detention Act → Proposed New York bill to prohibit local governments from contracting with ICE for detention.
Reentry Reform Advisory Group → Local panel advising on inmate reentry programs and policies within Broome County.
Detention → Holding immigrants in custody while awaiting immigration proceedings or deportation.
This Article in a Nutshell
Mary Kaminsky resigned protesting Broome County jail’s ICE detention policy. Sheriff Akshar defends decades-long practice. The 287(g) program limits local ICE cooperation. Community advocates demand more transparency and legislative oversight amid rising detainee numbers and debated policies.
— By VisaVerge.com
