ICE Buffalo official takes shot at NY Gov Hochul after arrest of wanted illegal immigrant

Officials with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Buffalo, New York, did not hold back in criticizing Gov. Kathy Hochul’s immigration policies while announcing the arrest of a wanted illegal migrant. Buffalo Field Office Director Thomas Brophy made it clear that they will continue to prioritize the safety of residents, regardless of the governor’s stance on the matter.

Brophy emphasized that the Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) team will not be swayed by political agendas that prioritize votes over the protection of citizens. “We will not be deterred by politicians putting votes over protecting the citizens of this nation,” Brophy stated in a release on Friday.

The ICE Buffalo office revealed the arrest of a Brazilian national with pending charges for strangulation and endangering the welfare of a child, in addition to being under investigation for various crimes, including homicide, in Brazil. Brophy highlighted that this was the second recent case of ERO Buffalo officers capturing a foreign national attempting to escape their criminal past by illegally entering the United States.

Brophy’s remarks shed light on the dangers of sanctuary policies in New York, which hinder law enforcement from cooperating with ERO. These cases serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with providing sanctuary to migrants who may have criminal backgrounds.

The surge of over 220,000 migrants in New York City since spring 2022 has taken a toll on the city, according to Mayor Eric Adams. Despite the challenges, Manuel Castro, New York’s commissioner of migrant affairs, has indicated a stance against following federal government directives in cases of mass deportations.

This defiance from state and local officials echoes a nationwide trend of resistance to President Trump’s immigration policies. Leaders like Governor JB Pritzker in Illinois and Mayor Karen Bass in Los Angeles have vowed to uphold sanctuary status and limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

In Denver, Mayor Mike Johnston has pledged to resist Trump’s proposed immigration measures, warning of a potential standoff akin to the Tiananmen Square incident if federal officials attempt to carry out mass deportations.

President Trump has reiterated his commitment to enforcing strict immigration laws and initiating deportation efforts upon returning to office. The appointment of Tom Homan as the “border czar” further solidifies the administration’s stance on border security.

As ICE Buffalo continues its efforts to safeguard communities from dangerous offenders, the debate over immigration policies in New York and across the nation remains contentious. The clash between federal and state authorities underscores the complexity of the immigration landscape and the need for collaborative solutions to address the issue effectively.