A bipartisan duo of New York City Council members is planning to introduce a bill to roll back sanctuary city measures, which were approved under former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration. Council members Robert Holden, a Democrat from Queens, and Joe Borelli, a Republican from Staten Island, have criticized New York’s immigration laws as the city deals with an influx of migrants.
Sanctuary city policies limit local law enforcement’s cooperation with the federal government to enforce immigration law. Proponents argue these local measures protect undocumented immigrants and ensure they feel safe to use city services without the fear of being reported to immigration authorities.
Holden and Borelli are looking to repeal some sanctuary city laws, including the ban on the Corrections and Probation departments and NYPD from cooperating with immigration officials.
Straight Arrow News reached out to Holden and Borelli.
Holden’s office said the goal of the proposal “is to enhance public safety by ensuring that individuals who have committed serious crimes are not shielded from federal immigration authorities.”
Over the weekend of June 1, investigators said a 19-year-old Venezuelan migrant on a moped shot at NYPD officers who were investigating a robbery pattern in Queens. Two officers were shot and rushed to the hospital. Both officers have since been released.
Police recovered an illegal gun from the scene.
Mayor Eric Adams and police spoke about the ordeal at a news conference on Monday, June 3.
“This is a bullet hole,” Adams said while holding a bullet-proof vest. “Because of this vest, a young police officer is going home. A senseless act of violence. Total disregard for life. Our officers responded with a level of discipline, a level of focus, a level of professionalism, and today we thank God.”
The suspect in this case is Bernardo Raul Castro Mato. Investigators said he is a migrant who entered the country illegally through Eagle Pass, Texas, in July 2023.
Police believe he’s been involved in numerous crimes, including shootings, robberies and phone snatches. He is also responsible for attacking a woman, stealing her credit card and using it at a convenience store, according to police.
Mato was living at a former hotel that was converted into a migrant shelter. He is being treated at a hospital for a bullet wound and he’s expected to survive.
Holden said that incidents like these highlight the need for change as sanctuary city laws prevent cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement — especially in cases involving serious crimes.
“By rolling back these laws, we can prevent similar occurrences and enhance the safety of our officers and residents,” Holden’s office said in a statement. “The proposal is designed to prioritize public safety and ensure that our city does not become a safe haven for those who threaten our community.”
Holden said he knows his proposed law would be supported by many New Yorkers, but he’s expecting it to face opposition from those who believe in maintaining the current set of policies.
“We have enough criminals in this city; we don’t need to import more and protect them as well,” Holden said. “Repealing the laws that have created a sanctuary city status is common sense. Those who are wanted for heinous crimes back home or commit crimes in our country should be deported without hesitation. We aim to end this reckless social experiment once and for all.”
