Tom Homan Criticizes NYC Mayor Over Sanctuary Policy

Tom Homan, the former border czar, has criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for his pride in New York being a sanctuary city. Homan argues that these policies hinder cooperation with federal immigration authorities, potentially leading to severe consequences, as seen in the Laken Riley case. He emphasizes the necessity of maintaining law and order.

New Guide for Police

A conservative legal group, America First Legal (AFL), has informed New York City police officers that they can contact U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) directly, bypassing local sanctuary policies. Fox News Digital obtained a 35-page handbook titled “Law Enforcement Officer Immigration Cooperation Guide,” which instructs officers on sharing immigration-status information with ICE, contradicting local policies.

“Section 1373 of federal law prevents state and local governments from stopping officers from sharing citizenship or immigration-status information with federal authorities.” – America First Legal

AFL is a nonprofit organization aiming to defend the rights of everyday Americans. The guide’s release follows Homan’s announcement of deploying a significant number of ICE agents to New York City, as Mayor Mamdani reinforced the city’s sanctuary status.

Legal Justifications and Potential Surge

The guide frequently references Section 1373, asserting that state and local governments cannot prohibit law enforcement from communicating with federal authorities. Officers are told they may contact ICE’s 24-hour Law Enforcement Support Center to verify a person’s immigration status, using only a name and date of birth, irrespective of local directives.

Homan indicated that a considerable ICE operation is upcoming after Mamdani reaffirmed New York’s sanctuary policies. While he avoided discussing operational details, Homan stated that ICE remains committed to enforcing immigration laws despite local opposition.

Continued Clash and Legal Perspectives

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the Trump administration clash over immigration enforcement. Mamdani’s Executive Order 13 directs NYPD to update and train officers on department policies concerning communication with federal immigration authorities. The order claims federal agencies’ aggressive tactics in civil immigration enforcement foster public fear and hinder safety.

America First Legal argues that local policies cannot legally prevent officers from voluntarily sharing immigration data with ICE, as federal law overrides conflicting local policies. The group also highlights potential legal risks for officials enforcing sanctuary policies, suggesting they could face federal criminal charges for obstructing immigration enforcement. Victims of crimes committed by individuals released despite ICE detainers might, in some cases, sue those officials.

AFL encourages officers disciplined for cooperating with ICE to seek legal representation and warns politicians to stop using sanctuary policies to impede officers doing their duty.

Gene Hamilton, president of America First Legal, stated officers should not have to choose between federal law and directives intended to uphold sanctuary policies. New York City Hall did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.