Councilman Robert Holden (D-Queens) has issued a challenge to Mayor Adams to back up his words with action when it comes to protecting New Yorkers from criminal migrants. Mayor Adams recently expressed openness to deporting migrants charged with crimes, a shift from his previous stance that only convicted criminals should be deported. Holden is calling on Adams to reopen the ICE office at Rikers Island, closed by Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2014, to allow local law enforcement to communicate with ICE and honor its detainers for criminal migrants.
The need for action is urgent, as federal data reveals that over 58,000 migrants, including at least 1,000 gang members, who are convicted felons or facing criminal charges, have entered New York City. Violent incidents involving migrant teens, organized crime groups like the Tren de Aragua from Venezuela, and a rise in robberies and assaults in neighborhoods with migrant shelters highlight the impact of the city’s refusal to cooperate with ICE.
While Mayor Adams has shown resistance to his party’s lenient stance on crime and open borders, he has yet to take concrete steps. His power is limited, requiring major changes in sanctuary policy to go through the City Council or Governor Hochul. Despite missing an opportunity to put sanctuary repeal on the ballot through his Charter Revision Commission, Adams has the chance to demonstrate his commitment to protecting New Yorkers by reopening the ICE offices at Rikers Island.
Reestablishing the ICE offices would send a strong message that City Hall is serious about collaborating with the incoming administration to remove criminal migrants from the city. It would also serve as a warning to lawbreaking migrants that their time in New York City is limited. As Councilman Holden emphasized, tough talk is good, but actions speak louder. It’s time for Mayor Adams to turn his words into action and prioritize the safety and security of New Yorkers.
