Sanctuary city laws are fueling New York’s recent crime wave, says ICE official
In the wake of a recent surge in immigration-related crime in New York City, a current ICE official has pointed the finger at sanctuary city laws as a contributing factor. The official told The Post that these laws are hindering federal immigration authorities from deporting suspected criminals at a faster pace, leading to an increase in criminal activity.
The issue has come to the forefront following high-profile incidents, such as the April 2 incident in Manhattan where two Venezuelan immigrants accused of shoplifting defended themselves during their arrest. The official revealed that the NYPD’s lack of communication with immigration authorities and the city’s prohibition on honoring detains issued by ICE are major obstacles in addressing the problem.
According to immigration experts, the difficulty in expelling immigrants before they are convicted of a crime lies in the legal and logistical challenges involved. The sanctuary laws in New York City prevent local police from cooperating with ICE and using city resources to enforce immigration law, further complicating the situation.
While ICE can quickly begin deportation proceedings for individuals they detain, the agency is selective in its pursuits and typically waits for the legal system to handle cases involving more serious crimes. The lack of cooperation from countries like Venezuela, which refuse to accept deportation flights returning their citizens, poses an additional challenge in sending criminals back to their home countries.
Former ICE field office director John Fabbricatore emphasized the impact of recalcitrant countries on the deportation process, highlighting the lack of deterrent for criminals entering the country illegally. As the city grapples with the implications of sanctuary city laws on crime rates, the debate over immigration policies continues to unfold.
With the upcoming elections approaching, the enforcement of immigration laws and the collaboration between local and federal authorities remain key issues in ensuring public safety and addressing the challenges posed by sanctuary city laws.