REMARKS
Council Member Avilés provides context on NYC's sanctuary policies
8:11:39
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4 min
Council Member Alexa Avilés, chair of the immigration committee, provides background on New York City's sanctuary policies. She emphasizes their importance for public safety, community trust, and the city's economy.
- Explains that sanctuary policies began in 1989 and have been supported by mayors of various political affiliations
- Cites studies showing counties with sanctuary policies have stronger economies and are safer
- Clarifies misconceptions about sanctuary laws, emphasizing they do not provide a 'get out of jail free card'
Alexa Avilés
8:11:39
As you know, I'm the chair of the council's committee on immigration.
8:11:43
So Yes.
8:11:44
Bear with me.
8:11:45
I am gonna make a statement here.
8:11:47
And as you are aware, is not only the questions that we are asking in your response, but also an opportunity to correct the record when there have been when there has been misinformation.
8:12:00
So as as you are aware, immigrant New Yorkers comprise nearly 40% of New Yorkers according to the 2020 census.
8:12:10
And as the chair of immigration is my responsibility to oversee the city's relations with important segment of our community.
8:12:19
New York City's sanctuary policies began in 1989 as you are well aware when Mayor Edcock issued an executive order that barred city officials from sharing information about immigrants with federal agencies in most circumstances so that immigrants could access city services without fear.
8:12:38
This policy was actively reissued and respected by every subsequent mayor, including Republicans, Independence, and Democrats.
8:12:46
And despite their varying ideologies, Each recognize that in order for the city to thrive, there needed to be trust between immigrant communities and city agencies and particularly law enforcement.
8:13:00
For decades, this city has upheld the belief that everyone regardless of immigration status should be treated equally under the law.
8:13:10
Studies such as one done by the Center for American Progress from 2017 has shown us that counties with these policies have stronger economies and are safer than those that do not have these policies.
8:13:24
Public safety experts, including hundreds of police officers, across the country have found that sanctuary policies improve law enforcement's ability to investigate and respond to crime.
8:13:37
These policies ensure that immigrants who have witnessed or have been subjected to criminal acts are willing to cooperate with law enforcement, and thus that persons who have committed crimes are successfully prosecuted.
8:13:51
This ensures that all New Yorkers are safer.
8:13:55
Absence such laws.
8:13:56
Person fearful persons fearful of deportation will be unwilling to cooperate with the law enforcement or with other city agencies charged with enforcing the city's laws.
8:14:09
They may also be unwilling to take such necessary actions as seeking medical attention for fear of deportation.
8:14:16
In in essence, sanctuary policies help prevent the emergence of a completely unprotected, marginalized, and exploited class of persons in New York City.
8:14:28
Recently, some have depicted sanctuary laws as a loophole for accountability.
8:14:35
Nothing is further from the truth.
8:14:37
If a court finds a person guilty of a crime, those individuals are still hold accountable because of sanctuary policies are not a get out of jail free card or policy.
8:14:48
After hearing some of my colleagues speak mistruth about so called sanctuary laws that perpetrates significant misinformation about the issue.
8:14:57
I just would like to ask you a few questions to help provide clarity on the fact.
8:15:05
History shows that Rudi Giuliani, like every other mayor, defended the right for the city to prohibit municipal workers from being involved in immigration enforcement on the basis that Iran counter to public safety.
8:15:18
If the city's immigrant communities believe excessing services and reporting to local authorities risk their immigration status.
8:15:26
Mister Giuliani, we issued an executive order that had started under Mayakarch and continued and became vocal about this importance to the city.
8:15:36
So is the rationale that Julie Mister Giuliani gave for involving city workers and federal immigration enforcement activities consistent with how you remember the reason for such a position?
8:15:48
And I understand this is a long time ago.