As Governor Andrew Cuomo issues a cease and desist letter to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a local sheriff plans to continue with a federal program to work with ICE.

Rensselaer County Sheriff Patrick Russo says they're moving forward to get two officers trained on how to identify and deal with illegal immigrants inside the county jail. Russo says Cuomo's letter doesn't change anything.

Cuomo threatened to sue ICE on Wednesday following what he called illegal raids in the state. Russo says his focus is to keep the county as safe as possible. 

"We’re trying to make the community a safe place to live," Russo said. "This is just another tool in the toolbox I can use to accomplish that mission."

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security called the letter a slap in the face to ICE employees. He also says the agency will continue to enforce immigration laws as set forth by Congress.