U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has served subpoenas to local law enforcement agencies in an effort to obtain information that is being blocked by sanctuary policies.
According to ICE, under New York's non-cooperation policies, the New York Department of Corrections (NYDOC) has refused to provide ICE with basic information regarding release dates of criminal aliens. ICE recently served four subpoenas to the NYDOC in an effort to obtain the information ICE says it needs to protect public safety.
"Like any law enforcement agency, we are used to modifying our tactics as criminals shift their strategies," acting Deputy Executive Associate Director for ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Henry Lucero said in a statement, "but it’s disheartening that we must change our practices and jump through so many hoops with partners who are restricted by sanctuary laws passed by politicians with a dangerous agenda."
ICE disclosed details about four criminal aliens who ICE request information on from the NYDOC. One, a Guyanese national who recently made headlines after he sexually abused and murdered a 92-year-old woman from Queens. The illegal immigrant had previously been released under sanctuary policies in New York.
ICE requested information on a 26-year-old El Salvadorian citizen wanted for homicide in his home country. According to ICE, the fugitive was released by the NYDOC in Dec. 2019.
ICE asked NYDOC for information on a 38-year-old Mexican citizen who was arrested in Jan. 2019 on charges of attempted rape, attempted assault and unlawful imprisonment. Despite two prior arrests by the New York Police Department, the alien was released by NYDOC after posting bail.
ICE is also seeking information about another 38-year-old Mexican citizen. This one was previously charged with drug offenses, including an attempt to import methamphetamine into the United States. He was released by the NYPD in Oct. 2019 and has an outstanding federal warrant for illegal re-entry into the country.
Four additional subpoenas were issued by ICE to the Denver Justice Center.
Should the law enforcement agencies ignore ICE's subpoenas, the U.S. Attorney's Office can work with an immigration officer to obtain an order from the U.S. District Court to require the production of evidence under subpoena.