1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

As a constituent in New York City’s 69th Assembly District, I am writing to express my strong protest and disappointment regarding your recent decision to travel to Minneapolis to participate in an anti-ICE protest, rather than remaining here to serve the residents of your district who elected you. While New Yorkers—your constituents on the Upper West Side and surrounding areas—continue to face pressing local issues, including the potential ripple effects of federal immigration enforcement policies, everyday community concerns, economic pressures, and the ongoing demands of legislative representation, you chose to leave the state to join demonstrations in Minnesota. Reports indicate this trip involved marching against ICE in connection with events and a reported fatal incident in Minneapolis, and it appears to have included sharing content from the protest on social media. Elected officials have a fundamental responsibility to prioritize their districts. Traveling out of state for activism, however passionately one feels about national issues, comes at the expense of being accessible and responsive to the people you directly represent. Many constituents rely on their assemblymember for local advocacy, constituent services, and presence during times of uncertainty—particularly as national debates on immigration intensify and could impact New York communities. By heading to Minneapolis instead of staying engaged here, your actions signal that out-of-state causes take precedence over district duties. This choice undermines the trust voters placed in you. Representation requires showing up where your constituents are, not seeking visibility elsewhere. New Yorkers deserve an assemblymember focused on our neighborhoods first, not one departing for distant protests that, while important to some, do not substitute for local service. I urge you to reconsider such priorities in the future, recommit to being fully present for your district, and explain to constituents how you will balance national advocacy with your core obligations here in New York. We expect better accountability and dedication from our elected representatives. Thank you for your attention to this concern. I look forward to your response and to seeing renewed focus on the needs of the 69th Assembly District.