Officials with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Buffalo, New York, criticized Gov. Kathy Hochul’s immigration policies while announcing the arrest of a wanted illegal migrant.
Buffalo Field Office Director Thomas Brophy emphasized their commitment to protecting residents “regardless of the governor of New York’s stance.”
“The men and women of ERO [Enforcement and Removal Operations] will continue to safeguard our communities from dangerous offenders, despite the governor of New York state’s opinions,” he stated in a press release on Friday.
“We will not be swayed by politicians prioritizing votes over the safety of the nation’s citizens,” Brophy added.
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New York Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks during a press conference addressing NYC congestion pricing. (Lev Radin/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Brophy’s comments followed the ICE Buffalo announcement of the apprehension of a Brazilian national with outstanding charges in both the U.S. and Brazil.
The migrant, whose identity remains undisclosed, faces charges of strangulation and endangering a child and is also being investigated in Brazil for various crimes, including homicide.
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“This marks the second consecutive case where ERO Buffalo officers have arrested a foreign national trying to evade previous criminal activities by entering the U.S. illegally,” Brophy remarked.
Migrants line up outside a migrant re-ticketing center in New York City in 2023. (Barry Williams/New York Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Brophy highlighted this case as a warning about the risks associated with the state’s sanctuary policies for migrants.
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“These instances underscore the dangers of ‘sanctuary’ jurisdictions and state regulations that hinder law enforcement from collaborating with ERO,” Brophy noted.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams expressed the devastating impact of the influx of over 220,000 migrants since spring 2022 and the state being unwilling to follow federal government instructions on deportation.
Migrants board a state-sponsored bus in Eagle Pass, Texas, destined for New York City on March 11. (Christopher Lee/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Castro’s remarks align with a growing trend among state and local officials to resist Trump’s immigration policies. Trump’s proposals for strict enforcement of immigration laws and deportation have been met with defiance from various leaders across the country.
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In Illinois, Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker vowed to maintain sanctuary status, declaring, “If you come for my people, you come through me.”
In Los Angeles, Democratic Mayor Karen Bass spearheaded the passage of a local ordinance limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
“Especially in light of the increasing threats to immigrant communities in Los Angeles, I stand in solidarity with the people of this city,” Bass stated. “This situation requires immediate action. Immigrant protections enhance the strength of our communities and improve our city.”
In Denver, Democratic Mayor Mike Johnston pledged to resist Trump’s proposed immigration policies, warning of a potential “Tiananmen Square moment” if federal immigration officials tried to enforce them.
President Trump, left, and acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Thomas Homan talk during a law enforcement discussion on sanctuary cities in the Roosevelt Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., on March 20, 2018. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
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“Instead of having Denver Police Department stationed at the county line to prevent them, you’d have 50,000 Denverites there,” Johnston stated. “It’s akin to the Tiananmen Square moment with the rose and the gun, right? Every one of those Highland moms who showed up for the migrants would be there.”
Trump has reiterated his commitment to initiating deportation efforts upon his return to office, even hinting at the possibility of declaring a national emergency and utilizing the military to enforce it.
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Trump’s resolve to tighten border security has been bolstered by his appointment of “border czar,” Tom Homan, who previously served as the acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement under the first Trump administration.
“If you refuse to collaborate with us, then get out completely. We’re going to make it happen,” Homan recently declared.
Fox News Digital has contacted ICE Buffalo and Hochul’s office for their responses.
