Sanctuary cities, once hailed as safe havens for immigrants, have increasingly become dangerous places for their residents. These policies, designed to protect illegal aliens from deportation, have led to unintended and serious consequences. Crime has surged as homelessness abounds.

Sanctuary policies prevent local law enforcement from cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), making it nearly impossible to remove dangerous individuals from the streets.

This has left residents vulnerable and communities less safe.

The harm caused by sanctuary city policies is evident in the growing number of violent crimes committed by individuals who should not be in the country. When local police are unable to work with federal immigration authorities, it allows criminals to remain in communities where they continue to pose a threat. Recent reports highlight the severity of the problem in New York City.

From Daily Wire:
Three out of every four people arrested for crimes such as assault, domestic violence, and robbery in Midtown Manhattan are suspected of being in the U.S. illegally, police sources told The New York Post.

The Post reported that New York Police Department officers are working at a disadvantage when they arrest suspected illegal immigrants as the Big Apple’s “sanctuary city” laws do not allow for cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

According to police sources, three out of every four people arrested for crimes like assault, domestic violence, and robbery in Midtown Manhattan are suspected of being in the U.S. illegally. The situation is similarly dire in Queens, where more than 60% of those arrested for such crimes are also believed to be undocumented immigrants.

However, due to the city’s sanctuary laws, police are unable to work with ICE to remove these violent offenders from the community. Former Queens prosecutor Jim Quinn expressed his frustration, calling the sanctuary city law “pathetic” and “disgusting,” emphasizing the law’s role in enabling violent criminals to remain on the streets.

Even as the crime rates rise, New York City Mayor Eric Adams has defended the city’s approach to illegal immigration. He acknowledges that while the majority of migrants come to pursue the American Dream, those who commit violent acts should be deported after serving their sentences.

Yet, due to the current sanctuary laws, the city is unable to coordinate with ICE to deport these individuals, leaving a dangerous loophole that continues to put residents at risk. The NYPD, restricted by these laws, cannot ask about the immigration status of suspects, victims, or witnesses, further complicating the tracking and handling of these crimes.

The impact of this situation extends beyond just crime. Since the spring of 2022, approximately 210,000 illegal immigrants have arrived in New York City, with the ongoing migrant crisis expected to cost the city an estimated $10 billion over the next three years. The financial burden, along with the increased strain on public safety resources, has created a perfect storm of challenges for the city.

As these issues continue to escalate, it’s becoming increasingly clear that sanctuary city policies, as they currently stand, are doing more harm than good. Residents deserve safety and security, but under the current system, those basic needs are being compromised.

Key Takeaways:

• Sanctuary city policies in New York City have led to a rise in violent crimes committed by undocumented immigrants.
• Local police are hindered by these policies, preventing cooperation with ICE to remove dangerous criminals.
• The migrant crisis has added significant financial and safety burdens to the city, with an estimated cost of $10 billion over three years.

Source: Daily Wire