Rep. Dan Goldman, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Comptroller Brad Lander Call on NYPD to Enforce State and Local Law Against Abusive Federal Immigration Officers

  

 

NEW YORK, NY — Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) was joined by Comptroller Brad Lander and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams today for a press conference calling on New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch to strictly enforce state and local laws and hold federal immigration agents accountable for unlawful conduct, including potentially arresting federal officers who illegally assault or detain New York residents. Assemblymember Tony Simone and Councilmember Alexa Aviles were also in attendance. 

 

The press conference followed Goldman’s letter to NYPD Commissioner Tisch, citing numerous instances of federal immigration officers abusing their authority and detaining, arresting, and deporting American citizens and law-abiding, non-violent New Yorkers. 

 

“Despite what Donald Trump, Kristi Noem, and their out-of-control masked ICE agents may believe, the rule of law still governs New York City,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “When federal agents falsely detain and violently arrest law-abiding New Yorkers, they are acting without legal authority and are therefore subject to New York law just like any other New Yorker. And if they use excessive force that violates those laws, then the NYPD must be prepared to intervene to protect New Yorkers, including, if necessary, to arrest and prosecute those ICE agents. New York City will not be terrorized by masked thugs carrying out Donald Trump’s authoritarian agenda.” 

 

Comptroller Brad Lander said, "For months, lawless ICE agents have been grabbing asylum seekers in the hallways outside of courtrooms here in New York City, but if they escalate and begin to abduct people off the streets, as they have in other cities, I join Congressman Goldman in calling on the New York Police Department to enforce the rule of law. NYPD has a duty to protect New Yorkers and cannot allow anyone in a mask and without a warrant to kidnap our neighbors off our streets. Months ago, the Public Advocate and I called on the Department of Buildings and the Fire Department to inspect the occupancy of the 10th floor of 26 Federal Plaza because our City must keep our communities safe and enforce the rule of law, rather than let federal fascists unlawfully and cruelly detain immigrants."  

 

Assemblymember Harvey Epstein said, “As we brace for the likely incursion of additional federal agents in New York City, our own law enforcement agencies must be prepared to uphold our state and local laws that protect New Yorkers from the unlawful arrests and violent assaults we have seen DHS, CBP, and ICE perpetrate against lawfully residing immigrants. The NYPD’s mandate above all else is to protect and promote public safety. If federal agents interfere with that mandate, our local law enforcement must act accordingly. I appreciate Rep Goldman’s efforts to raise these important issues and I join him in calling on the NYPD to be prepared to enforce the law if and when federal agents break it.” 

 

Assemblymember Robert Carroll said, “NYPD Commissioner Tisch should instruct and set forth protocols for New York City’s police force to intervene when federal agents are breaking local laws.  Just as the police would arrest ICE agents if they are driving drunk, so too should they act in other instances of unlawful behavior.   ICE’s dangerous and unconstitutional behavior must stop. Apprehending and detaining people without due process threatens the foundation of our democracy.  The ongoing detention of immigrants at 26 Federal Plaza is dangerous, illegal, inhumane, which is why I previously called on Governor Hochul to shut down buildings where ICE’s actions pose a threat to public health and safety.” 

 

Assemblymember Tony Simone said, “Commissioner Tisch and the NYPD have done an incredible job in keeping us safe. I stand with Congressman Goldman in calling on the NYPD to now keep us safe from our own federal government. No one can ever be allowed to operate above the law, which is why I sponsor the MELT Act in Albany to block these federal forces from concealing their identity.” 

 

Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon said, “Our state and local laws exist to protect all New Yorkers, not to be ignored or twisted by federal agents acting beyond their authority. I stand with Congressman Goldman in calling on the NYPD to uphold state and city law and hold federal agents accountable for any unlawful actions, including arrest and prosecution if necessary. New York will always defend the due process rights of our residents and the rule of law against federal overreach.” 

 

Goldman’s letter comes in response to numerous reports that under the Trump administration, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents — including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) — have violently arrested or deported American citizens across the country. The Congressman urged NYPD to be ready to intervene when such abuses occur in New York.