NYC Agencies Stonewall ICE: A Sanctuary City's Secret Strategy

Despite Mayor Eric Adams' silence on President Trump's deportation plans, internal memos reveal a different story. NYC agencies are actively instructing staff to block non-local law enforcement, including ICE, from accessing city facilities.

The Strategy: A Wall of Bureaucracy

The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), for example, mandates contacting agency lawyers before granting access. Staff must collect identifying information from any non-local agents and obtain a copy of any warrant presented. Only 'exigent circumstances'— such as an imminent threat to life— could warrant immediate entry, after which the General Counsel's office needs to be notified. This applies to numerous city-owned and leased buildings and courthouses across the five boroughs.

The Department of Education (DOE) has issued similar instructions to principals, emphasizing that schools will not permit access under any conditions, referring to a long-standing DOE policy and requiring consultation with legal counsel, NYPD, and school safety agents before granting access.

<img src="https://i0.wp.com/www.thecity.nyc/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/021423_migrants_school_2.jpg?resize=780%2C520&ssl=1" alt="P.S. 157 in Bed-Stuy">

The Department of Social Services sent a similar directive to nonprofit providers, reiterating strict entry requirements for non-local authorities.

Adams's Silence Amidst the Storm

Mayor Adams' refusal to directly address the situation, despite the agency's internal directives, fuels unease. His avoidance of criticism towards President Trump, including his acceptance of an invitation to Trump's inauguration, raises eyebrows. While claiming the city will follow the law and reiterating the city's commitment to sanctuary protections, Adams has expressed doubts about the current sanctuary laws and floated the idea of making exceptions for undocumented immigrants charged with violent felonies.

A City on Edge

The situation underlines a tension between the stated commitment to sanctuary city policies and the realities of a changing national political climate. The mayor's actions, or lack thereof, leave city employees and community members uncertain about the city's future response to increased immigration enforcement. The discrepancy between the internal directives and the Mayor's public statements creates uncertainty and concern among both city staff and community members.