Taking inspiration from President-elect Trump's new border czar, it's time for New York City to abolish shelter policies that protect criminal immigrants and endanger New Yorkers, a Queens Democrat argued this week.
“I write this with grave concerns about the continuing impact of New York State and City sanctuary policies. [federal law] But it also puts New Yorkers at risk,” moderate City Council member Robert Holden said in a letter Wednesday to Mayor Adams, Governor Hochul, and city and state legislative leaders.
“Federal law clearly prohibits the residence, protection, and concealment of illegal aliens, especially those engaged in criminal activity,” he added.
Mr. Holden co-sponsored Mr. Adams, Mr. Hochul, and leaders in the City Council and state Legislature over the summer to repeal immigrant-friendly sanctuary laws that limit local law enforcement's ability to work with the federal government on immigration issues. He called for support for the stalled bill.
The city council member wrote to the Post after Trump's next border czar, Tom Homan, warned local leaders across the country days earlier that he would not allow them to continue breaking the law. He said it was a trigger.
“It is a serious crime to harbor and hide illegal immigrants.” [federal immigration officers] …Don't cross that line! ” Homan told Fox News.
Representatives for Hochul and Adams did not return messages.
