Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
City Council Fights Feds' Pattern Of Deporting Immigrants In Police Custody
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Oct 22, 2014
Modified Oct 22, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Oct 22, 2014
Modified Oct 22, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The City Council is currently voting on legislation that would greatly limit the ability of the NYPD to assist the federal government in deporting people in their custody. [UPDATE: Both measures passed, 41-6.]
The two bills, sponsored by City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, prevent the NYPD and the Department of Correction from detaining individuals at the request of ICE for an additional 48 hours in preparation for deportation unless a federal judge provides a warrant and the individual has been convicted of "a violent or serious crime" in the last five years.
A "violent or serious crime" is defined in the legislation as a felony.
A warrant will not be necessary in cases with individuals who have been convicted of a violent or serious crime and have been previously deported, or if the person is on the terrorist watch list.
The proposed legislation, which is expected to pass today, also prevents ICE from maintaining a physical office on Rikers Island. Hundreds of other cities and towns have passed similar laws.
Mayor de Blasio has called the measures "thoughtful and progressive," while federal officials told the Times that the detainers "ensure that dangerous criminals are not released from prisons or jails and into our communities.”
Roughly 3,000 people in New York City jails were detained pursuant to deportation from 2012 to 2013.
"For years I have witnessed ICE set up shop in our city's jails to prey on vulnerable immigrant inmates, who have served their time, and expedite them into federal detention centers. The victims are separated from their families and often times transported to states like Texas, and Louisiana, without due process of the law," Councilmember Rafael Espinal said in a statement. "I commend Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito for pushing this bold and groundbreaking legislation and giving a voice to those that need it most."
Tagged
deportations
ICE
immigration reform
melissa mark-viverito
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Early Addition: Get to know Wanda, the donkey in the Met's 'La Bohème'
Because she's 18 years old now, here are your early links: The RHONY castmember mentioned in the Epstein Files, killing rats with carbon monoxide, Selena Gomez says don't vape and more.
By
James Ramsay
Published Oct 19, 2026 at 8:26 a.m. ET
Eric Adams' NYC buildings boss Eric Ulrich heads to trial, 3 years after arrest
Ulrich, a former city councilmember, is accused of trading access and favors for cash and bribes. He was the first aide to Mayor Adams charged with public corruption.
By
David Brand
and
Samantha Max
News
Eric Adams' NYC buildings boss Eric Ulrich heads to trial, 3 years after arrest
Ulrich, a former city councilmember, is accused of trading access and favors for cash and bribes. He was the first aide to Mayor Adams charged with public corruption.
By
David Brand
and
Samantha Max
Need help with mental health or addiction services? NYC has a new tool.
By
Caroline Lewis
NYC sues personal injury law firm accused of bogus trip-and-fall claims
By
Walter Wuthmann
NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks
By
Catalina Gonella
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .