Queens Officials Criticize Mayor Adams' ICE Memo, Stance on Sanctuary Laws

Community leaders and elected officials in New York City have expressed outrage over a memo from Mayor Eric Adams that allows ICE agents to enter city facilities if staff feel threatened. This directive, sent to city agencies, has sparked fears that it undermines the city’s sanctuary laws designed to protect undocumented immigrants. Advocates argue that such guidance creates a hostile environment for immigrants, with reports indicating increased absenteeism in schools and hospitals as families fear deportation. Adams' administration insists that the guidance is intended to protect city workers and does not encourage cooperation with ICE, but critics contend it sends a contradictory message. The backlash highlights deep divisions on immigration policy within the city, with many viewing the memo as a betrayal of New York's values as a sanctuary city. A spokesperson for the mayor pledged to clarify the memo's intent amidst rising tensions within immigrant communities.