New York City steps up efforts to protect immigrants as new report shows ICE detentions are up
NEW YORK (WABC) -- New York City is stepping up efforts to protect immigrants after a new report shows ICE detentions are up more than 70% in the five boroughs.
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams held a rally at the Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center surrounded by immigration activists on Friday morning.
Neighbors in the Norwood section of the Bronx talked about their friends, neighbors and other community members impacted by what a new audit shows to be an increase of enforcement action.
Supporters shared their support of Mayor Zohran Mamdani directing city agencies to do more to protect immigrant populations -- particularly after they say numerous detentions have occurred in their neighborhood recently.
It comes as the city on Friday released an audit that shows a 71% increase in immigration enforcement action during the second Trump administration.
Specifically, the report says more than 5,500 people were detained by ICE agents between January 20, 2025 and March 10, 2026 -- and more than half of those were at 26 Federal Plaza, the immigration court building in Lower Manhattan where many protests have taken place.
The report also showed an alleged targeting of city shelters.
So Mayor Mamdani issued new citywide guidance which includes a crackdown on access to city property, increased tracking of federal interactions, mandatory training, and notably, a directive for NYPD officers to notify legal executives of every 911 call reporting the presence of immigration authorities.
"The findings and recommendations released today will strengthen City agencies' protocols when interacting with federal authorities and ensure that all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status, can safely access the City services they deserve," Mamdani said in a statement.
Williams spoke on why he feels it's all necessary.
"It just really goes to show what's happening across the country," Williams said. "And folks should not be afraid in New York City, of all places. And they are."
A spokesperson with ICE released the following statement:
"As it does every day, ICE will enforce the law including in New York City. ICE is arresting and removing barbaric criminals with prior convictions for rape, murder, drug trafficking, and instead of holding them for ICE, sanctuary politicians release them back into your communities. ICE law enforcement wouldn't have to be in the field in New York City if we had state and local cooperation. Mayor Mamdani is not letting that happen, which puts New Yorkers in danger. ICE will continue placing detainers, enforcing immigration law, and defending public safety-because every American deserves to feel safe in their own neighborhood.
"Our partnerships with state and local law enforcement are key to removing criminal illegal aliens including murderers, rapists, gang members, and terrorists from American communities. When politicians bar local law enforcement from working with us, that is when we have to have a more visible presence so that we can find and apprehend the criminals let out of jails and back into communities. Seven of the top 10 safest cities in the United States cooperate with ICE."
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