North Country Matters host Donna Seymour talks with Erica Smitka, Executive Director of the LWV-NYS, about the ongoing Constitutional Crisis in America and the League’s response to the ICE crises and how actions by the federal government are undermining the democratic rule of law in many communities across the nation and here in New York State. They discuss state proposals to curb ICE, including the Governor’s proposal and the much stronger New York for All Act (S.2235 / A3506) which the League and the Legislature are backing, which would close loopholes in the Governor’s plan and better protect New Yorkers. They talk about League and community resistance to 287(g) agreements between ICE and local law enforcement and to ICE Detention Centers being located in NYS. They also examine the voter suppression tactics of the so-called SAVE ACT which could disenfranchise millions in NY and the country. 2026 is a critical election year and we cannot allow our free speech and other rights to be eroded, including by setting up barriers restricting the right to vote. (Recorded 19 March 2026)