Former Border Czar Tom Homan has openly criticized New York City’s Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, for taking pride in the city’s sanctuary city status. Homan believes these policies obstruct cooperation with federal immigration authorities, which could lead to severe consequences. An example provided is the Laken Riley case. He stresses the need for law and order.
New Handbook Encourages Police Cooperation with ICE
An undisclosed 35-page handbook, obtained by Fox News Digital, outlines a path for New York City police officers to share immigration-status details with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) directly. This guidance comes from America First Legal (AFL) and suggests federal section 1373 law prohibits state and local governments from limiting officers from communicating with federal authorities like ICE.
Recently, Homan has revealed plans for a significant increase in ICE activity in New York City. This follows Mayor Mamdani’s signing of an executive order to reinforce the city’s sanctuary policies. In response, AFL’s guide suggests officers may contact ICE’s support center using basic identity information, despite local restrictions.
Federal vs. Local Policies
The handbook stresses that local rules cannot block officers from sharing data with ICE because federal law overrides local ordinances. Moreover, AFL warns that officials enforcing sanctuary rules may face federal criminal charges for obstructing immigration enforcement. Victims of crimes implicated in cases ignoring ICE detainers might also sue under federal law.
AFL encourages officers retaliated against for assisting ICE to seek confidential legal advice. According to AFL Senior Counsel James Rogers, “Politicians hiding behind sanctuary policies cannot silence officers committed to community safety.”
Continuing Political Tensions
The Trump administration and Mayor Mamdani clash over these policies as Mamdani oversees city directives. Executive Order 13 mandates the NYPD to update training on interactions with federal immigration authorities, claiming some non-local law enforcement tactics increase public fear and harm safety.
AFL argues federal laws cannot be nullified to appease proponents of sanctuary policies. AFL President Gene Hamilton insists officers are not obligated to choose between federal law compliance and local directives.
New York City officials have yet to comment on these developments. As these discussions continue, the legal implications and political pressures surrounding sanctuary cities remain a contentious issue.
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