Assemblymember Lemondes Joins Call For Changes to State Bail Reform and Sanctuary Policies

New York State Assemblymember John Lemondes says he joined a press conference at the State Capitol in Albany Tuesday calling for changes to the state’s bail laws and the Protect Our Courts Act.

According to Lemondes, the press conference followed a March 11 incident in Suffolk County in which three individuals, described as Salvadoran nationals in the U.S. without legal status, were allegedly found in possession of Molotov cocktails.

Lemondes said that despite the severity of the charges, the three men were released without bail. He also claimed they could not be taken into custody by federal immigration authorities due to restrictions under the Protect Our Courts Act.

He argued the case reflects what he described as a broader pattern of policies putting communities at risk, and called for what he termed “common-sense reforms,” including “Laken’s Law,” to strengthen public safety.

“What more has to happen for state Democrats to start paying attention?” Lemondes said. “It’s beyond clear that criminals feel empowered in our state thanks to Albany’s bail reforms and sanctuary state policies…”

According to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Elvis Osvaldo Romero Martinez, 20, Albert Yanes Moran, 20, and Lorenzo Nohely Alvarado Navarette, 18, were arrested following a traffic stop on Lexington Avenue in Brentwood. Authorities say the individuals were found in possession of two Molotov cocktails and a canister of gasoline.

The District Attorney’s Office said all three defendants were released following their March 12 arraignment in Suffolk County District Court, citing the inability to request or set bail under current New York State bail laws.