NYCLU Response to Kristi Noem’s Comments in New York City

NEW YORK CITY – Today, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem held a press conference in New York City where she attacked local protections for immigrant New Yorkers and promised further ICE actions. In response, the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) issued the following statement, attributable to Executive Director Donna Lieberman: 

“To Kristi Noem and your ICE goons: Your agency is dangerous, cruel, inept, and lawless, and has no place on our streets. Nothing makes that clearer than the blood you shed in Minneapolis yesterday. 

“Contrary to your spin, the facts are that New York’s longstanding, bipartisan sanctuary laws have made our city safer, fueled our economy, strengthened our communities, and made it easier for people to access vital services that support public safety. It’s also the fact that bail reform has advanced justice for thousands of New Yorkers without raising crime levels, which are at historic lows. It is ICE that is daily undermining public safety. 

“Any escalation in New York will hurt families and children, our neighborhoods, and our livelihoods, and put lives at risk. Congress and our state representatives should fight to rein in ICE and pull its funding. Together, New Yorkers will call you out, document your lawlessness, protect our communities, and exercise our rights. We’ll watch out for each other, and the New York Civil Liberties Union will continue to see you in court.” 

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