New York City is urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to suspend the city’s sanctuary city laws amid growing concerns about terrorist threats.
The Common Sense Caucus wrote last week that “New York City is a prime target for terrorism, and we cannot afford to be complacent in the face of such threats.” The coalition argued that sanctuary city laws prevent ICE from fully cooperating with local law enforcement, which “severely hampers” efforts to keep residents safe.
The officials demanded immediate action to address the rising rate of violent crime in places such as Central Park and Queens Parks. The group also highlighted arrests in New York, Los Angeles and Philadelphia related to ISIS activity, saying these are all reasons for increased vigilance.
While Hochul can lift sanctuary city laws through executive action, a permanent law banning the policy can only be voted on by the City Council, which is currently dominated by left-wing members.