NYC Council urges Hochul to waive sanctuary laws amid migrant crisis

A coalition of City Council members in New York City has urged Governor Kathy Hochul to temporarily suspend the city's sanctuary laws due to rising terror threats linked to the ongoing migrant crisis. The council members, including both Democrats and Republicans, expressed concerns over increased violent crime, particularly incidents involving migrant gangs in public parks. They highlighted recent arrests of Tajikistani nationals with ties to ISIS-K and flaws in border vetting processes as evidence of the severity of the situation. Sanctuary laws, established in 1989, limit cooperation between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), aiming to protect non-citizens who are victims of crimes. However, the council members argue that these laws hinder efforts to ensure public safety amid a surge in violent crime. They called for immediate action, emphasizing that New York City is a prime target for terrorism and cannot afford to be complacent. Mayor Eric Adams has previously suggested loosening these rules to allow for the transfer of migrants suspected of serious crimes to ICE, reflecting a shift in the city's approach to immigration enforcement. The council's request for the governor to act comes as they seek to address the growing concerns over public safety and the implications of the migrant crisis. While the governor has the authority to temporarily halt the sanctuary status through an executive order, any permanent changes would require approval from the City Council, which is predominantly left-leaning. The ongoing debate highlights the tension between public safety concerns and the protection of immigrant rights in New York City.