(PatriotNews.net) – Democratic Mayor Eric Adams, during a town hall meeting, voiced his support for modifying New York City’s sanctuary policies. He emphasized the need to change the law, allowing local law enforcement to hand over migrants who commit felonies or violent acts to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation. Adams acknowledged the majority of migrants seek work and criticized the federal government for restricting their ability to work. However, he insisted on modifying sanctuary city laws to address criminal behavior, earning applause from the audience.
In a separate video, Adams highlighted the legal constraints preventing him from taking certain actions, responding to public inquiries about controlling the influx of migrants. He explained that existing laws prevent him from stopping buses, allowing migrants to work, or deporting those who commit crimes. Adams argued that despite facing a national crisis, New York City has managed the migrant situation better than other cities, avoiding tent cities and homelessness.
During the town hall, NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell discussed the city’s law enforcement efforts, emphasizing the seizure of 50,000 illegal scooters, bikes, and cars linked to crimes, as residents raised concerns about stolen vehicles used for criminal activities.
The call for modifying sanctuary policies comes amid criticism and proposed legislation by minority Republicans in the New York state legislature, aiming to reverse the city’s sanctuary laws. The legislation, if passed, would allow local law enforcement to collaborate with ICE. ICE’s New York field office director, Kenneth Genalo, previously blamed sanctuary policies for impeding the agency’s ability to address illegal migration, emphasizing the challenges of locating individuals in the community instead of in controlled environments like jails or precincts.
Adams’ proposal received praise from Republicans, including those critical of sanctuary policies, while immigrant advocates expressed concerns about potential family separations and divisions within communities. The discussion on sanctuary policies continues against the backdrop of the larger national debate on immigration.
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