Former acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement under President Obama, John Sandweg, has questioned the impact of New York City's sanctuary laws following the shooting of an off-duty Border Patrol agent, Breitbart reported.
Sandweg, discussing the implications of the crime, linked sanctuary policies to the incident while emphasizing a need for both legislative and operational change.
Sandweg's comments were made during a broadcast on "NewsNation Now" on Tuesday. During this appearance, Sandweg discussed how sanctuary city policies, like those in place in New York City, could have contributed to the shooting incident. He suggested that the city's non-cooperation with ICE possibly allowed the shooter to remain on the streets.
Sandweg explained that the individual responsible for the shooting had entered the United States unlawfully. The suspect had multiple arrests, including for violent offenses, and had been ordered to be deported.
The former ICE director suggested that cooperation with ICE might have led to the prevention of the shooting incident. "Certainly, if New York City had handed these guys over to ICE, you probably wouldn’t have had this shooting," Sandweg said. The lack of collaboration between local authorities and ICE was highlighted as a significant issue.
Sandweg's analysis included a broader critique of ICE's current tactics. He noted a shift in focus towards large worksite operations, like farms and factories, which he argued could allow more dangerous individuals to escape notice. These operational strategies were described as a departure from more targeted approaches that might better identify and apprehend such individuals.
Sandweg expressed concern over how ICE is pressured to increase the number of apprehensions. He suggested that this pressure might be contributing to the inefficacy of current methods in targeting more illicit individuals.
The tactics, focusing on workplace raids, often miss finding individuals involved in more serious crimes. Sandweg questioned whether the shift to larger operations is making it easier for dangerous individuals to avoid detection.
This critique raises questions about the effectiveness of ICE's strategy in monumentally impacting local safety. Sandweg's insights suggest a need for reevaluation and potential reform to address current shortcomings and enhance safety measures.
Addressing the sanctuary policies, Sandweg noted that something needs to change to prevent events like the recent shooting. He acknowledged the complexity of the issue, urging a broad perspective beyond just sanctuary laws.
He stated, "But Marni, I think you’ve got to look bigger than just at the sanctuary laws." This highlights his recognition of systemic issues affecting immigration enforcement and public safety.
For Sandweg, the recent incident should serve as a wake-up call, signaling that something is broken in New York. His reflections pointed towards a collective responsibility to ensure individuals with serious criminal backgrounds are not able to exploit sanctuary policies.
While acknowledging the role of sanctuary laws, Sandweg made it clear that broader structural changes within ICE operations are necessary. His comments bring attention to the balance needed between local cooperation and federal immigration processes.
Sandweg emphasized a strategic alignment among agencies to avoid allowing individuals involved in serious crime to take advantage of discrepancies between local and federal priorities.
The former ICE director's call for reform illustrates the intricate nature of immigration enforcement and public safety. As discussions about sanctuary cities continue, Sandweg's perspective advocates for enhanced collaboration and comprehensive reform to address these pressing issues.
