Statement by MTA Deputy Communications Director Aaron Donovan:

“The MTA has been notified by the county clerks of Erie and Niagara Counties that they have removed their illegal signs using an MTA trademarked phrase, ‘If you see something, say something,’ to ask members of the public to report suspected undocumented immigrants. The clerks’ use of the phrase was not only in violation of federal trademark law, but contrary to the New York values of inclusion and diversity. We won't stand for our trademarks to be used for politically-motivated attacks and we're pleased the signs have been removed.”

Background:

“If you see something, say something” was created in the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks by Allen Kay, chairman and chief executive of the advertising agency Korey Kay & Partners, then working under contract for the MTA. The MTA subsequently trademarked the phrase, and has permitted it to be used by about 600 agencies for appropriate law enforcement and public safety purposes.