MAYOR BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION UPDATING CITY GUIDELINES FOR HONORING DETAINERS ISSUED BY IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2013
No. 100
Remarks by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws
“The first two of seven bills before me today update the City’s guidelines for honoring detainers issued by the federal agency of Immigration & Customs Enforcement, commonly referred to as ICE. These changes are made necessary by the introduction of the federal Secure Communities Program.
“Introductory Number 982-A applies to detainers issued to the New York City Police Department and is sponsored by Speaker Quinn and Council Members Mark-Viverito, Dromm, Brewer, Chin, Comrie, Eugene, Ferreras, Jackson, James, Lander, Mendez, Palma, Reyna, Williams, Wills, Lappin, Rodriguez, Arroyo, Gonzalez, Levin, Barron, Gennaro, King and Mealy. Introductory Number 989-A applies to detainers issued to the Department of Correction and is sponsored by Speaker Quinn, and Council Members Mark-Viverito, Dromm, Chin, Comrie, Eugene, Ferreras, Jackson, James, Koppell, Lander, Mendez, Palma, Reyna, Vann, Williams, Wills, Lappin, Rodriguez, Arroyo, Levin, Barron, Brewer, Gennaro, King and Mealy.
“Close to forty percent of New Yorkers were born outside this country, and immigrants help drive the City’s economy, culture, and civic vitality. The City values the contributions of immigrants, and these bills are part of the Administration’s continual effort to balance protecting public safety and national security with ensuring that New York is the most immigrant-friendly city in the world.
“These bills, like the existing law, recognize the importance of our longstanding relationships with other jurisdictions – including federal law enforcement – in maintaining a safe city. And these bills rightfully continue to focus enforcement on those who have a recent or serious criminal history, have a history of immigration violations or are identified as suspected terrorists or known gang members while making sure that those who present little risk to public safety or national security such as those with no criminal history or only a single pending non-violent misdemeanor, are able to be released from custody and able to continue contributing to our City. These bills strike the right balance, and I’m glad we reached this agreement with the City Council on this important matter.
“I would like to thank John Feinblatt, my Chief Advisor for Policy and Strategic Planning, along with Correction Commissioner Dora Schriro and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly along with my Office of City Legislative Affairs. I would also like to thank the City Council for approving this legislation.”
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Contact: Marc LaVorgna/Evelyn Erskine (212) 788-2958