The incoming Donald Trump administration is planning to revoke a United States federal policy that restricts Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from arresting Caribbean and other immigrants at or near "sensitive locations," such as houses of worship, schools, and hospitals without prior approval from supervisors.
Immigration advocates in New York are expressing outrage and alarm over the proposed plans, which they believe will have a "chilling impact on immigrant families, who may fear sending their children to school or accessing the services they are entitled to and need to keep their families healthy."
The policy change is expected to be implemented as early as January 20, 2025, alongside a series of other immigration policy changes set to be implemented.
"Cruelty, not public safety or security, is Trump’s objective," said Murad Awawdeh, president and chief executive officer of the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC). "By directing attacks on immigrants to sensitive locations like schools, churches, and hospitals, he shows a callous disregard for vulnerable children and the public safety of every New Yorker."
Awawdeh said the policy change will divert resources away from initiatives that promote safety and well-being and will target immigrants for arrests and deportation, which is "destructive and diverts resources away from initiatives that promote safety and well-being."
The NYIC is urging Governor Kathy Hochul and state elected leaders to take action to protect immigrant families and defend the values that make New York a beacon of hope and opportunity.
The organization is also advocating for the passage of the New York For All Act, which would prohibit state and local officers from enforcing federal immigration laws, funneling people into ICE custody, and sharing sensitive information with federal immigration authorities.
The Act would also ensure that Caribbean and other immigrants in custody are informed of their rights before ICE interviews.
Natalia Aristizabal, deputy director of Make the Road New York, another immigrant advocacy group with over 28,000 members, said the details emerging from the incoming Trump administration are "horrifying but, sadly, not at all surprising."
"We know that Trump and his allies intend to carry out devastating policies that will irreparably harm our communities, separate families, and traumatize people just trying to go about their lives," she said.
Aristizabal said it is more important than ever for local and state officials to step up and take real, concrete actions to protect the community, such as passing the New York For All Act.
Everyone should be able to go to church and school without fearing that they will never see their loved ones again, she added.
The group is also urging Mayor Eric Adams to uphold New York City’s existing laws that defend immigrants and create additional protections.
Adams has said he is willing to collaborate with Trump officials on deportation policy, but Aristizabal said this is unacceptable.
Many of the migrants crossing the southern border of the United States and arriving in New York are nationals from Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, and Nicaragua.
Trump had campaigned on conducting mass deportation of immigrants if re-elected to a second term.
Conclusion
The proposed policy change is a major concern for immigration advocates in New York, who believe it will have a devastating impact on immigrant families and communities. The NYIC and other advocacy groups are urging Governor Hochul and state elected leaders to take action to protect immigrant families and defend the values that make New York a beacon of hope and opportunity.
FAQs
Q: What is the proposed policy change?
A: The proposed policy change would revoke a United States federal policy that restricts ICE agents from arresting Caribbean and other immigrants at or near "sensitive locations," such as houses of worship, schools, and hospitals without prior approval from supervisors.
Q: What is the impact of the policy change?
A: The policy change is expected to have a "chilling impact on immigrant families, who may fear sending their children to school or accessing the services they are entitled to and need to keep their families healthy."
Q: What is the New York For All Act?
A: The New York For All Act is a proposed law that would prohibit state and local officers from enforcing federal immigration laws, funneling people into ICE custody, and sharing sensitive information with federal immigration authorities.
Q: What is the goal of the NYIC?
A: The goal of the NYIC is to protect immigrant families and defend the values that make New York a beacon of hope and opportunity.
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