NYC Mayor Adams: No ICE Cooperation Due to Sanctuary City Laws

Mayor Eric Adams has stated that New York City will not cooperate with ICE in their planned large-scale deportation efforts. He cites existing sanctuary city laws as the reason for this lack of cooperation. These laws, Adams explains, prevent NYPD, the Department of Corrections, and the Department of Probation from assisting ICE except in cases involving terrorism or significant public safety threats.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/250117-nyc-mayor-eric-adams-96908358.jpg?w=683" alt="Mayor Eric Adams">

While Adams has previously called for changes to these laws to allow cooperation in cases involving migrants suspected of serious crimes, the current legal framework prevents any assistance beyond situations involving immediate public safety risks. This decision is supported by NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, who emphasizes the city's commitment to following the law.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/floyd-bennett-field-migrants-friday-74769539_2d94fe.jpg?w=1024" alt="Migrants at Floyd Bennett Field">

However, this stance has drawn criticism from some NYPD veterans who believe the city should assist federal authorities in apprehending migrants involved in criminal activity. They argue that protecting criminals, regardless of immigration status, is unfair to New Yorkers.

<img src="https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/migrants-stand-line-roosevelt-hotel-16627705.jpg?w=1024" alt="Migrants in line at the Roosevelt Hotel">

ICE's "Operation Safeguard" is expected to commence soon, targeting migrants wanted for drug trafficking and violent crimes, particularly those with criminal records in their home countries. The exact number of additional ICE officers deployed to NYC remains unclear. The operation's cost to the city in providing care for asylum seekers and illegal border crossers has already reached nearly $7 billion since April 2022.

Link to Adams' past comments on loosening sanctuary city rules

Link to WSJ report on ICE operation

Link to Trump's border czar's statement