New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D) announced Tuesday his intention to revise the city’s sanctuary laws amidst a significant increase in asylum seekers and undocumented migrants, a departure from his campaign promise that New York would “remain a sanctuary city” under his leadership.
The sanctuary laws in the Big Apple currently bar local agencies from aiding federal officials in identifying and detaining immigrants unless the individual has a prior conviction for a serious crime. Adams proposed amendments to these laws, suggesting that suspicion of criminal activity should be sufficient grounds for city officials to collaborate with immigration authorities.
“I want to return to the standards set by previous mayors [Michael Bloomberg and Ed Koch], who I believe shared my belief that individuals suspected of committing serious crimes in this city should be held accountable,” Adams stated during a briefing with reporters on Tuesday afternoon.
He further emphasized, “Immigrants are entitled to due process, but we should be in communication with ICE, and if ICE determines deportation is warranted, then it should proceed, ensuring due process for all.”
Adams cited the recent NYPD arrest of seven migrants allegedly involved in a robbery ring, expressing his disagreement with allowing the ring leader to remain free for “two years before being convicted” while continuing criminal activities. “The fact that we are unable to inform ICE that an individual has committed three robberies, that they are part of an organized gang crew, the mere fact that we are unable to convey that information and communicate with ICE is troubling to me,” Adams remarked.
These statements mark a shift from Adams’s campaign rhetoric in 2021, where he pledged that “New York City will remain a sanctuary city under an Adams administration.”
The mayor’s remarks come amid a surge in migrant arrivals in the city due to an unprecedented increase in illegal crossings at the U.S. southern border. The rise in migrant-related crimes, including a recent assault on two police officers in Times Square, has sparked national concern. However, New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams stated in early February that her chamber currently has “no plans” to amend the sanctuary laws.