Local lawmakers attended immigration court on Monday morning in Lower Manhattan as ICE raids continue at federal courts across the country.
Immigrant right advocates say the risk of deportation or detention is driving immigrant New Yorkers underground. New federal legislation and local laws being proposed are trying to change that.
From the steps of City Hall to the sidewalks outside 26 Federal Plaza, members of congress and members of the New York City Council are pushing back on federal immigration raids that have sent a chill through the city’s immigrant community.
“New York would not be New York without immigrants, while they try to divide us, we will continue to strengthen our community connections and solidarity,” said Councilmember Alexa Avilés. “We will indeed fight back. Today we are doing just that.”
The councilmembers are proposing laws that would, among other things, make it more difficult for ICE to operate in the city, remind immigrants of their rights and give them a legal pathway to sue if their rights are violated.
“It strengthens protections that keeps families safe, it ensures people know their rights, it holds entities accountable when they violate sanctuary laws, and it curbs federal overreach into our local institutions,” said Councilmember Crystal Hudson.
Outside Federal Plaza, the scene of hundreds of detentions in recent months, three members of Congress said the number of detentions appears to have dropped.
They’re proposing federal legislation intended to prevent the arrests of anyone appearing for routine court appearances, although they know it doesn’t have a snowball’s chance of passing.
“Not a single Republican is supporting any of our bills to rein-in this lawless administration. And not a single Republican-in the majority in total control of Washington-is doing any oversight and accountability,” said Rep. Dan Goldman. “So no, we do not have support from Republicans in Washington.”
The laws proposed by the City Council face far better odds with an incoming immigrant mayor who has pledged to fight these kinds of deportations at every opportunity.
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