Brooklyn Defender Services told the City Council that New York must strengthen its sanctuary protections as immigrant New Yorkers face rising risks of detention, deportation, and family separation. In testimony before the Committee on Immigration, BDS warned that unlawful information-sharing, weak agency training, and expansive city data systems can funnel people into federal immigration enforcement even when local law is supposed to protect them. “The city cannot adequately protect New Yorkers, or uphold the detainer discretion laws, without upholding the requirement that ICE present a judicial warrant in interactions with City agencies about an individual for the purpose of civil immigration enforcement,” said Sophie Dalsimer Associate Director, New York Immigrant Family Unity Project. BDS urged the Council to close gaps in the detainer law, improve agency compliance, limit sensitive data collection, and pass the NYC Trust Act so New Yorkers harmed by violations can hold the city accountable.

"The gravity of the situation for immigrants in New York City is almost beyond comprehension. Immigrant New Yorkers are at significant risk of being separated from their families, communities, and jobs, and detained in detention centers across the country that cause rapid physical and mental health deterioration. Our neighbors are being snatched off the street by masked, plainclothes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents or are being detained at the very courthouses they are visiting to abide by the legal process of the immigration system. The increase of federal agents in NYC not only creates fear in New Yorkers regardless of immigration status, but also increases the likelihood of violent arrests and unlawful immigration detention. The city must take immediate steps to protect the rights of immigrant New Yorkers, expand immigration legal services, and ensure all New Yorkers know their rights."

Read the full testimony here.