NYC Immigrant affairs Commissioner Silent on Trump’s Policies
Table of Contents
- 1. NYC Immigrant affairs Commissioner Silent on Trump’s Policies
- 2. Castro’s Restraint Sparks Questions
- 3. Trump’s Immigration Overhaul
- 4. Adams’ Alleged Deference
- 5. Sanctuary City Stance Under Scrutiny
- 6. Previous Administration’s Activism
- 7. councilmember’s Rebuke
- 8. Federal Funding Dispute
- 9. Moving Forward
- 10. What steps are New Yorkers being encouraged to take to advocate for immigrant rights in teh face of President Trump’s immigration policies?
- 11. Archyde Exclusive: Councilmember Hanif on NYC’s Immigrant Affairs Stance Under Trump
- 12. NYC’s Immigration Response: An Interview with Councilmember Hanif
- 13. The Impact on Sanctuary City Status
- 14. Federal funding and the Migrant Crisis
- 15. The Deference to the Trump Administration
- 16. Moving Forward: What Can Be Done?
- 17. A Final Thought
March 6,2025
New york City’s Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs,Manuel Castro,declined to critique President Donald Trump’s immigration policies during a City Council budget hearing Thursday. This silence comes amidst sweeping changes to the nation’s immigration system.
Castro’s Restraint Sparks Questions
Councilmember Shahana Hanif (D-Brooklyn) directly questioned Castro about the Adams administration’s stance on the president’s agenda,pressing him to identify specific policies the city opposed or was actively fighting. Castro’s response was evasive: “We can’t and don’t want to weigh in on these ongoing debates.”
Hanif then inquired whether Mayor Adams had instructed Castro’s office to refrain from criticizing the president’s policies.
Castro responded, “We continue to follow the instructions of our communications deputy mayor and the teams that are providing what we can and cannot share. These are orders that we have to follow.” He did not elaborate on the specific nature of these orders.
Trump’s Immigration Overhaul
Since returning to office, President Trump has initiated several important changes to immigration policies, including:
- Attempts to end birthright citizenship.
- Moves to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for some immigrants.
- Efforts to end humanitarian parole programs.
- Revoking guidance preventing ICE raids in sensitive locations such as schools and places of worship.
These actions represent a significant shift in immigration enforcement and have sparked widespread debate and legal challenges.
Adams’ Alleged Deference
The commissioner’s silence is the latest episode that reinforces to Adam’s critics that he is actually supporting the Trump administration “in exchange for the Justice Department’s push to drop criminal corruption charges against the mayor”.
Adding fuel to this fire, on the previous day, Adams joined with three other Democratic mayors of sanctuary cities to testify before a Republican-led House oversight committee. The results of that meeting saw Republicans threatening to withhold federal funds from sanctuary cities and even to refer city leaders for criminal charges to the Department of Justice.
Sanctuary City Stance Under Scrutiny
Adding fuel to the fire, Castro also pointedly refused to comment on Adam’s call for New York City to roll back it’s ‘“sanctuary city” laws’ and his “promise the mayor made” after meeting with Trump “border czar” Tom Homan nearly a month ago to sign an executive order allowing ICE back onto Rikers Island.
The executive order has yet to be filed according to sources.
He said, “No sanctuary laws or politics have changed… I want to keep it at that so as not to confuse.”
Previous Administration’s Activism
Unlike Castro, the previous commissioner, Bitta Mostofi, was an outspoken critic of Trump-era policies that she believed harmed the city’s immigrant population.
councilmember’s Rebuke
Councilmember Hanif expressed her dismay, stating it was “quite embarrassing” that the commissioner of immigrant affairs “has nothing to say about the Trump Administration’s rollback on immigration protections and the mass deportation agenda.”
Federal Funding Dispute
The Trump administration last month abruptly revoked “$80 million in federal funding” already allocated to New York City for expenses related the migrant and asylum-seeker crisis. city attorneys are pursuing a lawsuit in response.
Moving Forward
The implications of Castro’s silence and the administration’s approach to federal immigration policies remain significant. New Yorkers, especially those in immigrant communities, should stay informed and engage with their elected officials. Understanding the city’s policies and advocating for fair treatment is crucial. Support local organizations that provide resources and legal assistance to immigrants.
What steps are New Yorkers being encouraged to take to advocate for immigrant rights in teh face of President Trump’s immigration policies?
Archyde Exclusive: Councilmember Hanif on NYC’s Immigrant Affairs Stance Under Trump
March 7, 2025
Amidst growing concerns over New York City’s response to President Trump’s immigration policies, archyde News spoke with Councilmember Shahana Hanif (D-Brooklyn) to get her perspective on the recent City Council budget hearing and the apparent silence from the Mayor’s office of Immigrant Affairs. We delve into the implications for the city’s immigrant communities and what actions can be taken moving forward.
NYC’s Immigration Response: An Interview with Councilmember Hanif
archyde News: Councilmember Hanif, thank you for joining us. At the recent budget hearing, you questioned Commissioner Castro regarding the city’s stance on President Trump’s immigration policies.Can you elaborate on why you felt his response was inadequate?
Councilmember Hanif: Thank you for having me. Commissioner Castro’s response was deeply concerning.Given the sweeping changes to immigration policies – including attempts to end birthright citizenship, terminate TPS, and allow ICE raids in sensitive locations – I expected a strong and clear stance from the Office of Immigrant Affairs. Silence at a time like this sends a hazardous message to our city’s immigrant communities.
The Impact on Sanctuary City Status
Archyde News: Commissioner Castro also seemed hesitant to comment on Mayor Adams’ rumored consideration of rolling back New York City’s ‘sanctuary city’ laws and allowing ICE back onto Rikers Island. How does this refusal to comment impact the city’s commitment to protecting immigrants?
Councilmember Hanif: It creates immense confusion and undermines the very foundation of our sanctuary city status. New Yorkers need to know where their elected officials stand, especially when basic rights are at stake. The ambiguity surrounding thes discussions breeds fear and distrust within immigrant communities.
Federal funding and the Migrant Crisis
Archyde News: The trump administration recently revoked $80 million in federal funding allocated to New York City for expenses related to the migrant and asylum-seeker crisis. How notable is this loss of funding and what are the potential consequences?
Councilmember Hanif: The loss of $80 million is a significant blow to our city’s ability to provide essential services to migrants and asylum seekers. It endangers vital programs that offer shelter, legal assistance, and healthcare. We need to fight back against these punitive measures and ensure our city has the resources it needs to support vulnerable populations.
The Deference to the Trump Administration
Archyde News: Some critics suggest that mayor Adams is deferring to the Trump administration in exchange for leniency regarding corruption charges. Is there any truth to this allegation, and what repercussions might this have for the city?
Councilmember hanif: The appearance of deference is deeply troubling, regardless of the underlying reasons. Any agreement that compromises our city’s values or the rights of its residents is unacceptable. We need clarity and accountability to ensure decisions are made in the best interests of New Yorkers, not political expediency.
Moving Forward: What Can Be Done?
Archyde News: What specific actions shoudl New Yorkers take to address these challenges and advocate for immigrant rights?
Councilmember hanif: First and foremost, stay informed. Engage with your elected officials, attend community meetings, and let your voices be heard. Support local organizations that provide resources and legal assistance to immigrants. We must stand in solidarity with our immigrant neighbors and demand that our city uphold its commitment to being a sanctuary for all.
A Final Thought
Archyde News: Councilmember Hanif, what’s the one question you wish more people were asking about New York City and its response to federal immigration policies?
Councilmember Hanif: I wish people were asking: “How can we, as a city, proactively create new pathways to citizenship and stability for immigrants, rather of simply reacting to policies imposed upon us?” It’s time to be bold and innovative in our approach to immigration.
Archyde News: Councilmember Hanif, thank you for your insightful perspective.
Councilmember Hanif: Thank you.
