Overview
- White House border czar Tom Homan said ICE will increase its enforcement presence in New York City, adding that teams are already operating and that he plans to return to oversee operations.
- Homan justified the move by citing the city’s sanctuary policies and alleged public-safety threats, while offering no timeline for the escalation as DHS did not respond to requests for comment.
- He referenced a prior understanding with Mayor Eric Adams to allow ICE into Rikers Island for arrests, which he said was blocked by the City Council.
- Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s spokesperson vowed to uphold sanctuary laws and protect immigrants, and several elected officials publicly promised to resist tactics they view as overreach.
- Governor Kathy Hochul’s office said federal intervention is not wanted or needed and noted a surge would not improve public safety, following a recent Canal Street operation and community reports of masked agents and unmarked vehicles.