Mayor Eric Adams says New York City won’t work with ICE on deportation.
NEW YORK– Mayor Eric Adams said New York City can’t help with President-elect Donald Trump’s big deportation plan because NYC is a sanctuary city. This means the NYPD and other city agencies can’t work with ICE unless it’s about suspected terrorists or serious public safety risks. This follows NYC’s policy to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation.
Mayor Adams said he won’t keep answering questions about whether city agencies will work with ICE. He didn’t explain which law he meant, but his office said it’s the sanctuary city laws. These laws prevent the NYPD, Department of Corrections, and Department of Probation from working with ICE unless it’s about suspected terrorists or serious public safety risks. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch agreed, saying the NYPD will always follow the law, which currently means not helping with civil immigration enforcement.
The Wall Street Journal reported that up to 200 ICE officers will conduct immigration raids in Chicago. It’s unclear how many officers will come to NYC or when they’ll arrive. Tom Homan, Trump’s border czar, said mass deportations will start on Day 1 of the new administration, focusing on illegal immigrants who are threats to the country.
NYC has spent nearly $7 billion since April 2022 to help asylum seekers and other illegal border crossers, Mayor Adams said.