Northeast
NY Republican compares sanctuary states to Confederacy: ‘We had a Civil War’ over federal law
New York’s last Republican governor said this week that sanctuary jurisdictions are reminiscent of the Confederate states that balked at federal law and waged war against the Union.
Former Gov. George Pataki was speaking with businessman and 2013 New York City GOP mayoral candidate John Catsimatidis on 77WABC radio when he was asked about the state of the Big Apple in that regard.
“Right now, I’m concerned and people are concerned and rightfully so. But it comes down to leadership. We’ve had worse times in the past. I remember back in the ’60s and then in the early ’80s. And things got infinitely better,” Pataki said.
“And it comes down to having the right people with the right policies running the city, running the state and running the country. I think we’re going to have the right policies in Washington. Now we just need to have the right leadership doing the right thing in Albany and in New York City.”
MAGAVENUE: LAWMAKERS PREP LEGISLATION TO NAME SEVERAL HEARTLAND HIGHWAYS AFTER TRUMP
President Trump speaks with former New York GOP Gov. George E. Pataki. (Reuters)
Catismatidis said Trump has “put his foot down” against sanctuary policies, and quipped that he now has a “very large-sized shoe” given his overwhelming electoral victory.
Pataki agreed, adding that if the U.S. is to be based on the rule of law, it should apply equally everywhere.
“Cities or states that can pretend that the federal rules don’t apply to them are just violating the Constitution and violating our freedom… We had a Civil War over this,” he said. “And, it became plain that under the Constitution, every city, every state has to follow the law of this country.”
Prior to the war-triggering attack on Fort Sumter, South Carolina, President James Buchanan, a Pennsylvania Democrat, was critical of Republican abolitionists and lamented his home state’s opposition to the Fugitive Slave Law.
Following Illinois Republican Abraham Lincoln’s 1860 victory, southern states began to secede, which Buchanan opposed, while believing a military response was the wrong option. The election of Lincoln, who opposed the expansion of slavery into federal territories, alarmed Deep South states, with South Carolina leading the way in declaring secession from the Union on Dec. 20, 1860.
Pataki went on to say the nation’s largest city is bucking the feds in that regard, along with Los Angeles and other cities.
NEW YORK’S LAST GOP GOVERNOR CONDEMNS BIDEN’S INACTION AS IRAN STATE TV PLAYS SCENES OF US ‘ANARCHY’
Republican mayoral candidate and billionaire John Catsimatidis speaks at a news conference in 2013. (Getty Images)
“Trump must make them follow the law or cut off all federal funding. And I think that would be a very positive step to bring America together and to bring us forward,” he said.
The two discussed how New York City Council enacted a sanctuary city policy, and whether the state or federal government may step in against it.
“I think [Mayor Eric] Adams may go along with [Trump intervention],” Pataki predicted, as other observers have viewed the mayor as being critical of sanctuary city policy but hamstrung by the 45-6 Democratic-majority city council.
The former governor said he is optimistic about the New Year and that Trump must “dramatically reform” Washington instead of “tinker[ing] around the edges.”
He noted Trump does have limits, in that he cannot statutorily rein in New York County District Attorney Alvin Bragg or other far-left officials.
Current Gov. Kathy Hochul, a Democrat who has clashed with the MAGA wing of the Republican Party at times, once vociferously opposed another predecessor’s successful bid to make illegal immigrants eligible to receive driver’s licenses.
In 2007, Hochul balked at Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s policy while she was serving as clerk of Erie County – which includes Buffalo.
Then-New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, left, and Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul during a cabinet meeting at the Capitol. (AP)
However, when she became governor upon the resignation of Andrew Cuomo, she reversed course.
In November, Hochul indicated she would be the “first one” to call Immigration & Customs Enforcement to help the feds capture migrants or illegal immigrants accused of another crime and “get them out of here.”
However, she maintained during her remarks in Queens that she supports helping otherwise law-abiding migrants find work in New York.
Trump’s pick for “border czar,” Tom Homan, notably hails from the Watertown area and has condemned his home state’s current policies.
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MAPLE SHADE, N.J. (WPVI) — A community carnival meant to raise money for a local youth football program shut down early Friday night after large crowds of teens caused disturbances and forced the cancellation of the event’s final and typically biggest night, police said.
The carnival, which benefits the Maple Shade Tigers youth football program, was scheduled to continue Saturday, but organizers called it off following the incident.
Police say several teens are now facing charges.
Witnesses described crowds leaving the area under police supervision.
“Just herds of kids walking out. Cops escorting them out,” said Cody Quick, a Maple Shade football parent.
Neighbors and carnival-goers said groups of teens were seen sprinting down nearby streets and fighting as the scene unfolded on Friday night.
Parents can be fined or charged for their kids’ bad behavior in a South Jersey town
Maple Shade police said officers were met with hostility as they worked to disperse the crowd.
“They were cursing at police officers. They were clearly trying to provoke physical confrontations with cops,” said Lt. Daniel O’Brien of the Maple Shade Police Department.
Police are reviewing videos posted to social media as part of their investigation.
Authorities say the footage appears to show teens fighting and officers attempting to break up crowds.
The event was shut down early Friday, and the cancellation of Saturday night resulted in significant financial losses for the youth football program.
“As a nonprofit, everything always goes back into the program…new equipment, uniforms, helmets,” said Thomas Oshinsky, president of the Maple Shade Tigers.
The incident comes after years of similar issues involving teens at community events and down the shore.
In January, then-Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation allowing police to fine parents of juveniles involved in certain disturbances.
In the most serious cases, parents could face jail time. Maple Shade police say they are exploring that option, but note the process will take time as investigators review video, identify suspects and locate their guardians.
“If your kid is leaving the house with a face mask to go to a carnival, I think that should be a sign that they might be getting themselves into trouble,” O’Brien said.
Police said following a similar incident at the carnival last year, the department increased police coverage and added surveillance cameras and a drone to monitor the event.
Officials added that initial reports of weapons at Friday’s incident were unfounded, and no serious injuries were reported.
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Mother’s Day is just days away, and one local zoo is offering all moms some free fun.
Free Mother’s Day Admission Details
Roger Williams Park Zoo has announced free admission for all moms, grandmothers, and great-grandmothers on Sunday, May 10, when accompanied by a child.
Which means if you still haven’t made plans with your mom, why not a trip to the zoo?
There’s plenty happening at Roger Williams Park Zoo these days—new animals like the penguins and capybara plus the immersive bug exhibit—and the weather is expected to be pleasant and mild.
READ MORE: Giant Bug Exhibit Now Open at Roger Williams Park Zoo
The annual offering is a favorite way for people to spend the holiday, but it’s not the only upcoming event at Providence’s popular zoo.
Upcoming Events at Roger Williams Park Zoo
On Sunday, May 17, the zoo is hosting a STEM LEGO workshop hosted by Christine “Tacos” Blandino from FOX’s LEGO Masters Season 3. The event, for LEGO fans aged 6+, takes place during several 90-minute windows throughout the day and helps builders grow their LEGO skills.
READ MORE: Remember When Massive Brick-Made Animal Sculptures Filled Capron Park Zoo?
Then Thursday, May 21 sees the 21+ crowd take over the zoo with the return of Whiskey & More For Wildlife from 5:30–7:30 p.m. This annual event offers ticket holders five curated tastings, a Wee Glencairn tasting glass, appetizers, soft drinks, and animal encounters along with access to an exclusive silent auction featuring rare spirits and unique experiences. Proceeds benefit bison care and conservation efforts.
Sounds like May is going to be a can’t-miss month at Roger Williams Park Zoo.
20 Things To See at Roger Williams Park (Other Than the Zoo)
There are over 427 acres of beautiful landscaping, historical buildings and family friendly spaces at Roger Williams Park in Providence. Gifted to the city in 1872 by the last descendant of Roger Williams, Betsey Williams, the park has become primarily known for its amazing zoo. But throughout this historic district listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, there are plenty of other stunning things to see.
Gallery Credit: Nancy Hall
Explore Massive Insect Exhibit at Roger Williams Park Zoo
Roger Williams Park Zoo is bringing larger-than-life insects to Providence with a new Bug’s World experience opening this April.
Get a sneak peak at these insane insects before they open to the public.
Gallery Credit: Nancy Hall
Baby Red Pandas Born At Roger Williams Park Zoo In Providence
Gallery Credit: Michaela Johnson
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