Colin 4 Westchester

“On International Women’s Day, recognize the importance of women’s contributions throughout history and their ongoing impact on society. I am grateful for, and inspired by, the many achievements of women in public life.”

In moments like this, it’s important we remind ourselves what government is—and what it is not.

Westchester’s Immigrant Protection Act (IPA) is not a “sanctuary slogan.” It’s a public-safety, due-process policy: County services stay available to all eligible residents regardless of status, and County agencies don’t use ordinary civic contact as an immigration screen.  

The IPA’s logic is practical: when immigrants fear that calling police or cooperating as witnesses could trigger immigration consequences, everyone is less safe. Westchester’s own legislative record cites studies showing major chilling effects on reporting and cooperation. 

But the case is also moral. Some claims—especially ones that carry penalties like detention, separation, and permanent rupture—must be justified in daylight. If you can’t justify it, you don’t get to demand it. 

I lay out the strongest arguments for and against the IPA in the full piece—and close with two asks: municipalities should consider adopting their own local IPA-style protections, and we should support Rockland County’s effort to do the same.

https://colindavidsmith.blogspot.com/2026/02/a-countys-conscience-why-westchesters.html

February 1 marks the beginning of Black History Month and the 100th anniversary of its origins, first observed in 1926 as Negro History Week.

What began as a call to recognize and teach Black history has grown into a national observance that honors the achievements, resilience, and contributions of Black Americans — past, present, and future.

Black history is American history. Its continued celebration matters because the full story matters.