Immigration advocates are fighting back against a move that would allow federal immigration agents to enter New York City schools.
Monday, February 10, 2025 3:23PM
Raegan Medgie is live from City Hall with the latest on the backlash about the recent memo.
NEW YORK (WABC) — City agencies in New York are working through confusion over President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.
It comes after updated guidance was issued to city agencies about whether city employees should allow federal agents into schools, hospitals and municipal buildings.
Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos says policy at city public schools have not changed and employees have been directed to not allow federal agents onto property without a warrant.
That differs from updated guidance distributed to many other city agencies, directing city workers to step aside and allow federal agents to access municipal buildings if they feel their safety is threatened by arrest or other actions.
That shift was met with backlash from City Council members, labor unions, immigration advocates and legal services providers.
The city suggested Friday night that it was “in the process of finalizing further guidance,” calling it “a rapidly evolving situation.”
“We are here today to send a very clear message to the mayor and to everybody here in the city. We are a city that protects immigrants. We are a city that supports immigrants. We do not need ICE in schools. We do not need ICE in hospitals. We do not need ICE in any public building.” Daniel Coates, Make the Road New York, said.
The mayor’s office has stressed it is not instructing workers to open doors for federal law enforcement.
Officials within the administration say the guidance is in interest of keeping all city workers safe.
ALSO READ | Immigrants fear Impact of President Trump’s policies
Dan Krauth reports from New York City on the fears some immigrants have of President-elect Trump’s potential immigration policies.
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Immigration advocates are fighting back against a move that would allow federal immigration agents to enter New York City schools.