By EFE
The mayor of New York, Democrat Eric Adams, requested this Tuesday drastic changes to the city's 'sanctuary' policy to allow police to collaborate with immigration authorities, after several incidents involving immigrants.
“I don't think people who are violent in our city and commit repeated crimes should have the privilege of being here,” Adams said Tuesday at a news conference at City Hall.
“You have no right to be in our city and tarnish the overwhelming number of people who are here following the rules,” the councilor commented in a direct message to migrants who do not comply with the laws.
Migrants lining up at the shelter at St. Brigid's Elementary School, in New York, on December 5, 2023. Andres Kudacki / AP
The Democratic mayor's statements represent a change in policy defended for decades and that restricts the delivery of undocumented immigrants in police custody to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE).
Adams had already advanced his position at a community event in Brooklyn this Monday where he stated that it was necessary to
“modify the sanctuary city law and if you commit a serious crime
, a violent act, we should be able to turn you over to ICE and deport you.”
[New York limits the stay in adult migrant shelters to 30 days]
The New York mayor's words were immediately rejected by The ICE Out NYC Coalition, which brings together community organizations and immigrant advocates, in a press release.
Luba Cortés of Make the Road New York said it is “infuriating” to see Mayor Adams attempt to vilify immigrant communities.
“Reversing New York City’s sanctuary laws and working with ICE will only bring harm and pain to our communities.”
For his part, Murad Awawdeh, director of the New York Immigration Coalition, considered that “this latest attack by the Adams Administration against immigrant communities and families is also one of the very character of the city.”
Janay Cauthen, director of Families for Freedom, said she was disappointed with Adams' new position, which perpetuates “a divisive narrative that discriminates against immigrants.”
Adams' comments to change sanctuary laws come after a series of incidents involving newly arrived immigrants in New York, including an attack on two city police officers and a shooting during an attempted robbery at the famous Times Square.
“We call on Mayor Adams to end his baseless attacks... and begin implementing common-sense, humane solutions that will make our communities safer and ensure that all New Yorkers can participate in civic life, regardless of their immigration status,” Awawdeh said.