Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has unveiled a plan to bolster security along the border between his county and New York City by deploying a wall of surveillance cameras and facial recognition technology. The measures are aimed at countering what Blakeman views as Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's pro-criminal policies, with which he has expressed concerns.
Blakeman has been critical of Mamdani, describing him as "pro-criminal" in an interview with Fox News Digital. In contrast to Mamdani's approach, which prioritizes social workers over police, Blakeman plans to use technology such as license plate readers and facial recognition software to monitor the border.
However, some civil liberties experts have raised questions about the accuracy and potential risks of using facial recognition technology in law enforcement. A spokesperson for Blakeman did not provide immediate comment on these concerns.
Blakeman has positioned himself as a proponent of strict immigration policies and gun control measures, aligning with his Republican affiliation and President Donald Trump's views. He has also been involved in initiatives that some critics have described as xenophobic or divisive.
The plan to install surveillance cameras along the border comes after Blakeman won re-election last year on a platform focused on public safety and immigration enforcement. However, this proposal has sparked criticism from Democrats, with party chair Jay Jacobs calling it "high-tech theatrics" that divert attention away from more pressing issues like road repairs and infrastructure development.
Blakeman is also rumored to be considering a gubernatorial run in the upcoming election, which would pit him against other Republican contenders.
Blakeman has been critical of Mamdani, describing him as "pro-criminal" in an interview with Fox News Digital. In contrast to Mamdani's approach, which prioritizes social workers over police, Blakeman plans to use technology such as license plate readers and facial recognition software to monitor the border.
However, some civil liberties experts have raised questions about the accuracy and potential risks of using facial recognition technology in law enforcement. A spokesperson for Blakeman did not provide immediate comment on these concerns.
Blakeman has positioned himself as a proponent of strict immigration policies and gun control measures, aligning with his Republican affiliation and President Donald Trump's views. He has also been involved in initiatives that some critics have described as xenophobic or divisive.
The plan to install surveillance cameras along the border comes after Blakeman won re-election last year on a platform focused on public safety and immigration enforcement. However, this proposal has sparked criticism from Democrats, with party chair Jay Jacobs calling it "high-tech theatrics" that divert attention away from more pressing issues like road repairs and infrastructure development.
Blakeman is also rumored to be considering a gubernatorial run in the upcoming election, which would pit him against other Republican contenders.