The Justice Department has announced it is suing New York City’s Mayor Eric Adam’s administration arguing that the city’s “sanctuary” policy interferes with the federal government’s deportation efforts. The lawsuit comes just days after the Trump administration placed blame on those policies for the recent shooting of an off-duty Customs and Border Protection officer by an undocumented immigrant during a robbery.
New York police say the officer was likely not targeted because of his employment, as he was not in uniform, and is expected to survive with no complications.
This is happening as part of a widespread effort by the federal government to pursue action against undocumented immigrants. Similar lawsuits have been filed across multiple states, a clear effort to challenge local policies that are seen to obstruct federal enforcement.
These “sanctuary” policies are an effort by cities to protect undocumented immigrants who pose no criminal risk to the country. They are a policy that limits cooperation with the federal government, with local law enforcement often preventing detainment by not sharing immigration status or other information.
Attorney General Pam Bondi says, “New York City has released thousands of criminals on the streets to commit violent crimes against law-abiding citizens due to sanctuary city policies,” adding “If New York City won’t stand up for the safety of its citizens, we will.”
Adam’s press secretary disagrees, saying that they will review the lawsuit but, overall, these policies keep New Yorkers safer. They give the ability for people, undocumented or not, to report crimes and function as a regular member of society without fear of deportation
