ICE response to crimes committed by migrants in NYC

NEW YORK (PIX11) – Mayor Eric Adams traveled to Chicago on Wednesday to attend the Democratic National Convention , where he’ll also meet with U.S. leaders to address the migrant crisis.

Adams wants to change New York City’s so-called sanctuary city laws in the wake of recent violent crimes involving asylum seekers.

Ken Genalo, the New York City field director for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, joined the PIX11 Morning News on Wednesday to discuss what these changes would look like.

“Before the strict sanctuary policies went into effect under the de Blasio administration, we had a unit that was based in Rikers Island that would vet foreign-born individuals once they finished with their time and they would determine whether or not they were amenable to proceedings,” Genalo said. “We would have detainers honored on individuals that were serving time. When they were finished with their sentence or their local charges, they would be released into ICE custody.”

Genalo added that he wants the NYPD to be allowed to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement once again.

“Just basic cooperation. We would have a task force. We would speak to one another. Now none of that exists anymore,” Genalo said.

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