Real-World Consequences: ICE Hamstrung, Criminal Aliens Released
The DOJ complaint alleges that New York’s law has forced ICE to forgo arrests of noncitizens accused of violent crimes because those individuals had scheduled court appearances:
“Federal immigration authorities have refrained from apprehending aliens whom those authorities knew had scheduled appearances in New York court related to heinous crimes—including rape, sexual assault, and robbery. … Many of those aliens still have not been apprehended by federal officials and thus remain at large today.”
The government contends this results in dangerous individuals being released into the community and additional risks to public safety.
Executive Orders 170 & 170.1: Shielding Information From ICE
Beyond courthouse arrests, the lawsuit also targets New York executive orders that bar state employees from sharing vital information with federal immigration authorities, such as arrest reports, investigative files, or even basic details about a person’s presence in a state facility. The DOJ claims this “prevents basic coordination between New York and federal officials,” further undermining federal enforcement and raising the risk of conflict and confusion between agencies.
