New York city Councilman Robert Holden (D-Queens) is challenging Mayor Eric Adams to take concrete action to protect New Yorkers from criminal migrants, following Adams’ recent shift in stance on the issue.
On Tuesday, adams stated his openness to deporting migrants charged with crimes, a departure from his previous position that only migrants convicted of crimes should be removed from the city. ”Cancel me,” adams dared his critics, “because I’m going to protect the people of this city.”
Holden, however, believes Adams needs to go beyond rhetoric and take decisive action. he is urging the mayor to reopen the immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office at Rikers Island, closed by former Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2014. This would allow local law enforcement to communicate with ICE and honor detainers for criminal migrants.
“Tough talk is good, but actions speak louder,” Holden emphasized on Wednesday.
The need for action is urgent. Federal data reveals that over 58,000 migrants, including at least 1,000 gang members, who are convicted felons or face criminal charges, have arrived in New York City. These figures only represent those known to federal authorities.
The city is grappling with a surge in violent crime linked to these migrants.Teenagers have been attacking people in Times Square, and the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua is operating a vast criminal enterprise involving drugs, guns, and prostitution across the five boroughs.
Robberies and assaults have also spiked in neighborhoods with a high concentration of migrant shelters. The city’s refusal to cooperate with ICE is effectively shielding these criminals, who are exploiting the city’s hospitality.
While Adams has shown some resistance to his party’s lenient stance on crime and open-borders policies, he has yet to implement any tangible changes. While his authority is limited, he missed an opportunity to put sanctuary policy repeal on the ballot last month through his Charter Revision Commission, a move that coudl have bypassed the city Council and directly engaged voters.
The question remains: will Adams translate his words into meaningful action to protect New Yorkers from the growing threat of criminal migrants?
new York City’s escalating crime rates have sparked a call for decisive action, with some advocating for the reopening of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offices at Rikers Island.Proponents argue that this move would demonstrate the city’s commitment to public safety and its willingness to collaborate with the incoming governance on deporting undocumented immigrants convicted of crimes.
“It’s time to put action behind his words,” one advocate stated. “Reopening the ICE offices at Rikers would signal that City Hall is serious about ’protecting’ New Yorkers and working with the incoming administration to ship criminals out.”
Thay believe such a move would also send a strong message to undocumented immigrants who are committing crimes in the city. “Even better,it’d send a message to the border-crossing lawbreakers brazenly terrorizing the Big Apple: Your days in this town are numbered,” the advocate added.
## City Councilman Challenges Mayor Adams: Words Not Enough, Action Needed on Migrant Crime
**World Today news:** Councilman Robert Holden, representing Queens, joins us today to discuss Mayor Eric Adams’ recent proclamation regarding his stance on migrants charged with crimes. Mr. Councilman, thank you for your time.
**Councilman Holden:** It’s a pleasure to be hear.
**World Today News:** Mayor Adams stated he’s open to deporting migrants charged with crimes, a shift from his previous stance. however, you believe this isn’t enough.Why?
**Councilman Holden:** While Mayor Adams’ words are a step in the right direction, they’re simply not enough.We need action, not rhetoric. New Yorkers are rightfully concerned about rising crime rates, and we need solutions, not political posturing.
**World Today News:** You’ve specifically called for the reopening of the ICE office at Rikers island, closed in 2014. Do you believe this is the answer to the issues surrounding migrant crime?
**Councilman Holden:** Reopening the ICE office at Rikers Island would be a crucial tool in addressing the problem. It would streamlining the process of identifying and processing migrants who commit crimes, ultimately making our city safer.
**World Today News:** Critics argue that such a move targets vulnerable individuals and could create a climate of fear within immigrant communities. How do you respond to these concerns?
**Councilman Holden:** My priority is the safety and wellbeing of all New Yorkers. We need to differentiate between legal immigrants who enrich our city, and those who come here and break the law.
reopening the ICE office isn’t about targeting everyone. It’s about holding accountable those who choose to violate the law and endanger our communities. We need to send a clear message that criminal activity will not be tolerated.
**World Today News:** Mayor Adams called out his critics, saying “Cancel me” if they disagree with his new stance. What’s your response to this challenge?
**Councilman Holden:** While I appreciate the Mayor’s willingness to take a position,I believe we need more than words. actions speak louder. I challenge the Mayor to turn his words into deeds and take concrete steps, such as reopening the ICE office, to address the very real concerns of New Yorkers.
**World Today News:** councilman Holden, thank you for your insights on this critical issue.
**councilman Holden:** Thank you for having me.
