OBSERVER Photo by Gregory Bacon Rep. Nick Langworthy, center, talks about Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials in upstate New York, while at a press conference in Mayville. Pictured on his immediate left is Sheriff Joseph Quattrone and pictured on his right is County Executive PJ Wendel.

MAYVILLE – Chautauqua County’s federal representative is expressing his support for the Trump administration’s decision to go after criminals who are not citizens living in the United States.

“It’s been just a week since President Trump was sworn into office and he is following through on his commitment to secure our border and to conduct targeted deportations starting with the most dangerous criminal element who pose a threat to our safety and our national security,” U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy said at a press briefing in Mayville with both Sheriff Jim Quattrone and County Executive PJ Wendel present.

Along with targeted raids of known criminals nationwide, Langworthy noted the Trump administration has placed active troops on the border of Mexico, is doing enhanced vetting for visa applications, and has reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy.

“This is bold and decisive action that we need to get this crisis under control,” he said.

Langworthy said the House of Representatives is fully prepared to support Trump legislatively, as well as “These are common-sense policies that prioritize the safety of American citizens. That is our number one priority and needs to be the number one priority of Congress,” he said.

Langworthy said it’s important to go after the cartels who participate in human trafficking and smuggle fentanyl over the border.

“It will take tremendous resources to undo the damage they’ve done and take our country back,” he said.

Langworthy was critical of New York state’s sanctuary policies.

“They’ve been a magnet for illegal immigration to take advantage of taxpayer funded meals, taxpayer funded health care, and even debit cards given to them because they had the audacity to come here to New York,” he said.

Langworthy was highly critical of the Green Light Law that permits undocumented immigrants to get a driver’s license. According to Langworthy, that law bans federal officials from accessing New York State’s Department of Motor Vehicles’ database.

“Every time they pull somebody over, their lives are at risk because they don’t know who is truly behind the wheel of that car,” he said.

Langworthy said he and other Republican leaders are joining together, urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to repeal provisions of the Green Light Law that restrict cooperation among law enforcement.

“They’re threatening public safety not only in our state but around the country,” he said, citing the example of Laken Riley who was killed by an illegal immigrant after he was arrested in New York, but released due to the state’s bail reform laws.

Quattrone agreed with Langworthy that the Green Light Law is dangerous in its current state.

“When I was elected sheriff of Chautauqua County I took an oath to protect not only the citizens of Chautauqua County, but visitors that come to Chautauqua County as well. … The laws we have, specifically the Green Light Law, makes it very difficult to keep our community safe,” he said.

Wendel also reiterated support to have the Green Light Law revoked, as well as to put a pause on New York being a sanctuary state.

“When the asylum seekers first came here over two years ago, it was a problem. I met with (New York City) Mayor (Eric) Adams. I’ve gone to the southern border and seen firsthand … what is happening. We need to put an end to the illegal immigration,” he said.

On social media, there have been photos and videos which purport to show Immigration and Custom Enforcement officials in Dunkirk and other places in Chautauqua County. Quattrone said he is unaware of any ICE officials currently operating in the county, however he noted they do not need to inform local law enforcement of their actions.

Langworthy said the Buffalo ICE office oversees 48 New York counties and could easily be operating in Chautauqua County, although he is not aware if they are.

He cautioned about posts on social media that may peddle false stories about houses of worship or school raids.

“I asked ICE directly. There’s been absolutely no action in any schools, no action in any churches or any other places of that magnitude. This is on a case-by-case basis, looking for known criminals and known threats to national security,” he said.