Q&A
Allegations of DOC violating detainer laws and colluding with ICE
1:07:05
ยท
154 sec
Council Member Aviles presents allegations of the Department of Corrections (DOC) violating city detainer laws and colluding with ICE, based on results from a FOIL request. MOIA Commissioner Manuel Castro responds to these concerns.
- FOIL results showed DOC violating detainer laws and facilitating detention by ICE
- Evidence of a culture of collusion with ICE was found, including an email with the hashtag 'send them all back'
- MOIA sent written guidance to city agencies emphasizing the importance of adhering to sanctuary laws
- MOIA conducted training for general counsel across city agencies on sanctuary laws
Alexa Aviles
1:07:05
So in in February 2023, this committee held an oversight hearing examining city detainer laws.
1:07:12
Moya had testified, before this council at the hearing that during during which the results of a foil filed by the Immigration Defense Project and the Black Alliance For Just Immigration were shared out showing without a doubt that the Department of Correction has been violating the city's detainer laws and actively taking steps to facilitate detention by ICE.
1:07:39
The Foyle results also demonstrated a culture of collusion with ICE, an email signed by DOC with the hashtag send them all back.
1:07:50
We know these practices continue from speaking with advocates on the ground.
1:07:55
What steps is Moya taking more specifically and more affirmatively with this administration to investigate the ongoing practices at DOC that flout our laws?
Manuel Castro
1:08:13
Well, I'll start.
1:08:15
At the time, I may have said that, yes, that, in fact, was very concerning to me and that I didn't want to weigh in on any, on this matter to not get in the way of any legal issues that may be occurring.
1:08:35
And so, but just to say that this is why it was important, for us to send written guidance about the importance of our sanctuary laws to, all of our city agencies and offices to, underscore the importance of adhering to our local laws and to, reach out to Moya and the law department for additional guidance and questions that people might have.
1:09:06
You may have also, read about our training to general counsel across, city agencies and offices, where, again, we discuss the importance of our century laws.
1:09:20
And, the expectation is for every agency in office to tailor their training, and to align closely with the laws in place for their staff.
1:09:34
And this will be important for the coming, federal administration.