U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) criticized New York City for its sanctuary policies after the city’s police released a Dominican national, Robert Reid Mendez Jimenez, who was charged with sexual misconduct involving a child under 11. ICE arrested Jimenez on August 31 after local authorities ignored an immigration detainer, allowing him to walk free. The incident highlights the agency’s concerns over sanctuary policies potentially endangering public safety by releasing dangerous offenders.
Jimenez, a Dominican national, was arrested by the NYPD on multiple sexual abuse charges, including sexual conduct with a child under the age of 11. Despite being a suspect in these crimes, the city’s police department released him, prompting ICE’s condemnation. The agency emphasized that such actions put public safety at risk and violate the terms of federal detainers.
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations officers in Newark, New Jersey, later tracked him down through intelligence operations. According to ICE, the case demonstrates the real cost of ignoring detainers: violent offenders walk free, and public safety is compromised. ‘This case shows the real cost of ignoring ICE detainers: Violent offenders walk free, and public safety is put at risk,’ said ICE ERO Newark acting Field Office Director Ruben Perez. ‘I’m proud of our deportation officers, who tracked him down and took him into custody — removing a dangerous predator from the streets within weeks of his release into the community.’
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has previously singled out New York City Mayor Eric Adams for its sanctuary laws, though the mayor has defended his actions, stating, ‘I have nothing to do with the rules that are put in place. I just carry out the rules.’ This case further intensifies the political and legal tensions between national immigration enforcement priorities and local sanctuary policies.
Earlier this month, Attorney General Pam Bondi issued letters to sanctuary jurisdictions, demanding compliance with federal immigration laws or facing Justice Department action. On social media, Bondi characterized the ‘demand letters’ as a key step toward eliminating sanctuary policies nationwide. She warned that jurisdictions prioritizing illegal immigrants over citizens would face lawsuits if they refuse to comply.
Adams has also worked with border czar Tom Homan on immigration enforcement, indicating some level of cooperation despite the ongoing conflict over sanctuary policies. However, the recent case has drawn renewed scrutiny of New York’s approach to immigration enforcement and its impact on public safety.