The Trump administration has filed a federal lawsuit against New York City, accusing it of violating federal immigration laws through its long-standing sanctuary policies. These policies, which date back to 1989, prohibit local authorities from honoring ICE detainer requests, effectively shielding undocumented immigrants from deportation. The lawsuit, filed in a New York federal court, names Mayor Eric Adams and several other city officials as defendants. The Justice Department claims that New York City has repeatedly sought to obstruct the federal government’s ability to enforce immigration laws, undermining efforts to remove criminals from the streets.
The lawsuit specifically highlights New York’s policy that prevents its Department of Corrections from honoring ICE detainers, which would notify federal authorities of the release of a criminal illegal immigrant after incarceration. The New York Police Department was also subject to similar provisions, with the city further resisting cooperation with ICE in 2014. At that time, the city added an amendment to its sanctuary policy, requiring ICE detainers to be honored only if they were issued by an Article III judge or magistrate judge, or if the individual had been convicted of a violent or serious crime within the past five years or was on the federal terrorist watch list.
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson stated that sanctuary cities like New York are working against President Trump’s mandate to ‘Make America Safe Again.’ She emphasized that the Trump administration is committed to upholding federal immigration laws and will not tolerate local politicians interfering with enforcement. Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed this sentiment, stating that if New York’s leaders refuse to protect their citizens, the federal government will step in. U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliatakis of New York also supported the administration’s stance, calling sanctuary policies ‘misguided,’ ‘costly,’ and ‘dangerous.’ She cited a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request showing over 16,000 crimes committed by individuals living in hotels and shelters, often at taxpayer expense.
This lawsuit is part of a broader pattern of legal action by the Trump administration against sanctuary cities. Previous cases have targeted Los Angeles, where the city has become embroiled in a feud over deportation raids and anti-ICE protests. The administration argues that such policies not only violate federal law but also put public safety at risk by allowing criminals to remain on the streets. The lawsuit underscores the growing political and legal tensions between federal and local authorities over immigration enforcement and the broader implications for public safety and legal compliance.