NYPD Says Migrants Shouldn’t Fear Law Enforcement – Unless They Are Criminals
Top NYPD Brass Defend Partnership with ICE
Top NYPD brass were pressed with questions on Wednesday regarding their partnership with ICE and the arrest of a migrant gang member in the Bronx the day prior.
NYPD’s Role in the Arrests
On January 28, New Yorkers woke up to the news that ICE had conducted raids in the Bronx, leading to 20 reported arrests. The operation was carried out at the direction of President Trump, with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in town for the raids, posting a video to Twitter in which she referred to those arrested as “criminal aliens” and “dirtbags.”
NYPD’s Clear Stance on Immigration Status
During an unrelated press conference in Queens on January 29, Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch was peppered with questions regarding the NYPD’s partnership with the feds. She emphasized that the department’s role was limited to assisting with the arrest of a single individual, Anderson Zambrano-Pacheco, a alleged Venezuelan gang member.
No Part in Civil Enforcement of Immigration Laws
Police Commissioner Tisch and Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny were adamant that the NYPD is not involved in the civil enforcement of immigration laws. “We are not participating in any civil enforcement of immigration laws. What we are participating in is investigations and operations involving criminals,” Kenny said. “If you’re a migrant in New York City, you can go about your life no problem, but the minute you break the law, you become a criminal – then you become our problem.”
Reassuring the Community
Tisch echoed Kenny’s sentiments, emphasizing that the department’s posture has not changed. “I want to be very clear that nothing about this department’s posture has changed in the past week. The mayor has been very clear that we are going to go after criminals regardless of immigration status,” she said.
Community Concerns
Despite the assurances from top NYPD brass, some community members are still worried about the impact of the raids on their daily lives. Published reports have indicated that some parents are too afraid to take their children to school out of fear of ICE. The lack of transparency from the federal government regarding the details of those arrested has only added to the uncertainty.
Conclusion
The NYPD’s stance on its partnership with ICE is clear: the department is focused on investigating and arresting criminals, regardless of their immigration status. While some community members may still be concerned about the potential consequences of the raids, top brass are reassuring the public that the department’s posture has not changed.
FAQs
- What is the NYPD’s role in the recent ICE raids in the Bronx?
- Is the NYPD involved in the civil enforcement of immigration laws?
- How does the NYPD’s partnership with ICE affect migrants in New York City?
The NYPD assisted with the arrest of a single individual, Anderson Zambrano-Pacheco, a alleged Venezuelan gang member, in an operation initiated by Homeland Security.
No, the NYPD is not involved in the civil enforcement of immigration laws. The department’s role is limited to investigating and arresting criminals, regardless of immigration status.
The NYPD’s partnership with ICE does not affect the daily lives of most migrants in New York City. However, some community members may still be concerned about the potential consequences of the raids and the lack of transparency from the federal government regarding the details of those arrested.
