(LibertySociety.com) – Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials in Buffalo, New York, criticized Governor Kathy Hochul’s sanctuary policies while announcing the arrest of a Brazilian national wanted for multiple crimes. The individual, who had charges in New York for strangulation and endangering the welfare of a child, was also linked to a homicide investigation in Brazil. Buffalo Field Office Director Thomas Brophy highlighted the dangers of sanctuary policies, stating, “The men and women of ERO [Enforcement and Removal Operations] will continue to protect our communities from dangerous offenders, regardless of what the governor of New York state says.”
Brophy underscored how sanctuary laws obstruct cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. “These cases highlight the dangers of ‘sanctuary’ jurisdictions and state policies that obstruct law enforcement from cooperating with ERO,” he said. Brophy’s remarks follow a series of high-profile arrests in New York, where ICE officers apprehended foreign nationals attempting to evade justice by entering the United States illegally.
The criticism of Hochul’s policies aligns with broader concerns raised by officials in other sanctuary jurisdictions. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has described the ongoing migrant surge—totaling over 220,000 arrivals since 2022—as devastating to the city’s resources. Meanwhile, leaders like Illinois Governor JB Pritzker continue to defend their sanctuary policies, despite significant backlash. In contrast, ICE officials argue that such policies endanger public safety, citing instances where violent offenders benefit from limited cooperation between federal and local agencies.
President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to prioritize immigration enforcement, suggesting he may declare a national emergency to expedite mass deportations. Tom Homan, Trump’s pick for border czar, echoed this commitment, asserting, “We’re going to do it.” This approach starkly contrasts with sanctuary policies, setting the stage for contentious debates over federal and local authority in addressing illegal immigration.
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