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Council Member Joann Ariola discusses sanctuary city policies and ICE at Rikers Island
0:48:00
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77 sec
Council Member Joann Ariola presents her views on sanctuary city policies, arguing that the current interpretation has strayed from its original intent of protecting crime victims to potentially shielding criminals. She supports the executive order allowing ICE presence at Rikers Island under limited conditions.
- Ariola traces the history of sanctuary city policies and their evolution
- She expresses concern about the potential release of dangerous criminals due to non-cooperation with federal agencies
- Ariola argues that allowing ICE at Rikers will help protect law-abiding immigrants
Joann Ariola
0:48:00
Thank you.
0:48:02
There was a time when the term Sanctuary City was not so controversial.
0:48:06
We all know how, when, and why it started.
0:48:09
But at some point, as irrational fears over mass deportation hit a fever pitch around a decade ago under the Obama administration, a common sense policy to protect victims of crime somehow turned into laws passed now on how to protect people who commit them.
0:48:24
In 2014, a law was passed barring federal immigration and and customs enforcement from keeping offices at Rikers.
0:48:32
Because of that law, who knows how many people wanted for murder, rape, drug, and sex trafficking, people on the terrorist watch list, or who were known members of transnational criminal gangs who committed crimes and entered this country illegally, have continued to commit crimes while they remain here, and have been able to remain free in our city.
0:48:52
How does allowing criminals to roam free keep us safe?
0:48:55
Who exactly are we protecting by not cooperating with federal law enforcement agencies?
0:49:01
Our immigrant neighbors came to this country to find a better life.
0:49:05
They work hard, and they deserve to be protected, allowing ICE to once again be present at Rikers even under the limited conditions outlined, and the executive order will help us do that.
0:49:16
Thank you for the time.