Audit Reveals Tactics of Federal Immigration Officials in NYC

Mayor Zoran Mamdani’s office released an audit on Friday, which examined six city agencies in New York City to ensure they comply with the city’s sanctuary laws. The findings indicated that federal immigration authorities have been employing aggressive and deceptive methods.

This audit falls under Executive Order 13, a directive issued by Mamdani after he took office, aiming to promote the safety of the immigrant community. The specific agencies reviewed include the Department of Children’s Services (ACS), the New York City Police Department (NYPD), Department of Corrections (DOC), Department of Probation (DOP), Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), and Department of Social Services (DSS).

The 19-page summary documents the interactions of these agencies with federal immigration authorities, providing recommendations to address gaps in the city’s asylum policies.

According to Mayor Mamdani, the city will not inquire about the immigration status of those enrolling in universal child care programs. “The findings and recommendations announced today will strengthen the City’s procedures when interacting with federal authorities and ensure that all New Yorkers, regardless of their immigration status, have safe access to the City services they deserve,” Faiza Ali, director of the Mayor’s Office of Immigration Affairs, stated.

Among the major findings is a notable increase in the targeting of city shelters by federal immigration authorities, leading to a spike in requests for detainees directed at the Department of Corrections and the NYPD. The report describes these tactics as both aggressive and misleading.

In 2025, the NYPD received 3,672 requests for immigration detainers, a sharp rise from just 99 requests the year before. However, the NYPD did not comply with these requests to transfer individuals to ICE.

One alarming incident highlighted was in June 2025, when officials from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) visited a shelter, initially posing as fire department personnel. They only revealed their true identities after being asked for identification by city officials.

Additionally, in April 2025, federal agents from various departments—including ICE, DHS, FBI, and DEA—made ten visits to the shelter, sometimes in civilian clothing. They engaged in tactics such as attempting “wellness exams” on children to gather information about specific individuals. They also issued subpoenas and administrative warrants, which do not legally entitle them access, but did present judicial warrants on two occasions, resulting in at least one arrest.

In Brooklyn, ICE agents entered a Department of Probation building under false pretenses, attempting to check the sign-in book after asking to use the restroom. Staff managed to intervene, verifying their identification and escorting them out of the facility.

Mamdani has voiced strong opposition against ICE and the Trump administration’s immigration policies, calling the audit a crucial step for reinforcing local laws and the protections for immigrant communities in New York City.

He said, “I am proud to share the key findings and recommendations from the audit to ensure we address the changing nature of federal immigration enforcement and protect the rights of all New Yorkers regardless of immigration status.”

In a response to the audit, the White House remarked that ICE officers are doing essential work to enforce the law and safeguard American communities. They urged local officials to cooperate with ICE rather than resist, characterizing those who oppose as siding with “criminal illegal aliens.”

The report also includes several recommendations such as:

• Limiting the use of immigration status in pre-sentence investigation reports.
• Improving internal protocols for tracking and reporting detainee requests.
• Revising the protocols governing shelter incident reporting and access to city properties.
• Establishing a procedure for the NYPD to inform its Operations Division of any 911 calls linked to federal immigration officials.