New York City officials are facing a legal challenge from the Trump administration, which has filed a lawsuit claiming the city’s sanctuary policies breach federal immigration laws. The complaint, submitted on Thursday, names Mayor Eric Adams and several city representatives as defendants, arguing that the city’s regulations hinder the enforcement of immigration laws.
The lawsuit specifically targets several provisions of the New York City Administrative Code, including §§ 9-131, 9-205, 14-154, and 10-178, as well as a New York Police Department operations order. The administration is seeking a permanent injunction to stop the enforcement of these regulations, asserting that they violate the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution as well as other federal immigration statutes, including the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Key among the challenged laws is §9-205, which restricts the Department of Probation from holding individuals for civil immigration detainers beyond their scheduled release times. Similarly, §§ 9-131 and 14-154 place similar restrictions on the Department of Corrections and the NYPD regarding immigration detentions. Additionally, §10-178 prohibits city agencies from utilizing resources for immigration enforcement and restricts them from following directives from the Secretary of Homeland Security.
The complaint argues that the Constitution empowers the federal government to regulate immigration, including establishing naturalization laws and managing foreign relations. The administration contends that these city laws conflict with federal statutes, resulting in a legal clash over the authority to enforce immigration measures.
The lawsuit cites precedents from the Supreme Court to bolster its claim that New York City’s sanctuary laws inhibit the federal government’s ability to execute its immigration policies effectively. The Trump administration further contends that these laws not only undermine federal authority but also pose risks to public safety and complicate the operational efficiency of federal law enforcement agencies, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In support of its case, the administration points to a regulation issued by the Department of Homeland Security mandating local law enforcement to hold individuals for up to 48 hours after an immigration detainer is issued. This regulation aims to ensure a smoother custody transition for federal officers.
City officials counter the administration’s arguments, asserting that the sanctuary laws aim to foster community safety by encouraging residents to report crimes without fear of deportation. In response to the lawsuit, Mayor Adams expressed a commitment to safety for all New Yorkers, advocating for collaboration between local law enforcement and immigrant communities. He acknowledged the need for a balance between ensuring public safety and protecting the rights of residents.
Adams emphasized that while he supports the spirit of the sanctuary laws, he believes they go too far in their current form and urged the City Council to reconsider certain provisions regarding violent offenders. So far, he indicated, the council has not taken action on his recommendations.
The ongoing legal dispute highlights the tension between local and federal jurisdictions over immigration enforcement, a contentious issue that continues to shape policies in various U.S. cities.
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