Adams supports ICE criminal operation in NYC on Tuesday

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said on Tuesday that the city coordinated with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agents and supported by other federal agencies, as well as the New York City Police Department (NYPD), “as authorized under law,” in a criminal operation in the city.

“Early this morning — as it regularly does as part of a multi-agency task force — our city coordinated with the US Department of Homeland Security on a federal criminal investigation involving a suspect hiding in New York City,” said Adams in a statement. “Beforehand, I directed the NYPD to coordinate with DHS’ Homeland Security Investigations and other federal law enforcement agencies — as allowed by law — to conduct a targeted operation to arrest an individual connected with multiple violent crimes, both here in New York and in Aurora, Colorado, including burglary, kidnapping, extortion, firearms possession, menacing with a firearm, crime of violence, and other charges.

“As I have repeatedly said, we will not hesitate to partner with federal authorities to bring violent criminals to justice — just as we have done for years,” he added. “Our commitment to protecting our city’s law-abiding residents, both citizens and immigrants, remains unwavering.”

On Wednesday, the NY Daily News reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, DHS’s immigration enforcement arm, launched raids in New York City early Tuesday “as part of President Trump’s illegal immigration crackdown.”

In attributing the information to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the publication said agents “hit at least three locations in the Bronx and took at least two people into custody, including a Venezuelan gang member wanted for an armed raid of an apartment complex in Aurora, Colo., that was caught on camera.”

“Arresting some criminal aliens this morning in NYC – thank you to the brave officers involved,” the Daily News quoted Noem as writing on X, along with photos of ICE preparing for the operation.

“Criminal alien with kidnapping, assault & burglary charges is now in custody – thanks to @ICE,” she said. “Dirtbags like this will continue to be removed from our streets.”

Sporting heavy weapons and full tactical gear, the Daily News said “federal agents converged on an apartment building on Ogden Ave. near W. 170th St. in Highbridge and busted down the door to get inside.”

The paper alluded to a spokesman for the advocacy group New York Communities for Change in describing  ICE raids on Tuesday as “a direct violation of NYC’s sanctuary city status.”

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, whose father hails from Trinidad and Tobago, said: “Earlier today, we were made aware that Federal Law Enforcement Agencies were in our borough.

“At this time, we are awaiting more information and will continue to monitor the situation closely,” she said. “During these uncertain times, it is essential that all residents are informed of their rights.

To ensure the community is equipped with the necessary knowledge, Gibson said she is hosting a virtual “Know Your Rights” immigration training on Wednesday, Feb. 5, in partnership with the New York Immigration Coalition and several other advocacy groups.

“We encourage all Bronx residents to attend this important session and learn how to protect themselves and their families,” Gibson urged. “Information on how to access the training will soon be shared on our social media platforms and website.”