At Wednesday’s Charter Revision Commission hearing, New York City Councilman Robert Holden called for substantial changes to the city’s sanctuary city laws and proposed revisions to the city charter to enhance public safety and increase community involvement.
Highlighting a recent incident where a Venezuelan migrant shot two NYPD officers, Holden criticized the city’s sanctuary policies for creating safe havens for criminals.
He urged the Charter Revision Commission to place the repeal of these laws on the ballot, emphasizing the need to prioritize the safety of residents and law enforcement.
“We can no longer afford to import criminals, nor can we continue to protect them from ICE,” Holden declared. “We owe it to our residents and our police officers to end this madness.”
Holden also raised concerns about national security, referencing the recent arrest of ISIS-K terrorists and reports of migrants smuggled into the country by ISIS affiliates.
He stressed the urgency for enhanced screening and vetting processes at entry points.
The councilman supported proposals to enhance community input on public safety legislation. He criticized the current system, noting that council committee hearings often occur during work hours, limiting public participation.
“Typically, the only people who show up are paid advocates who can attend hearings, stacking the deck against the public,” Holden observed.
He further advocated for the Commission to enact charter revisions that would empower city agencies to more effectively collaborate with federal law enforcement to tackle security threats and criminal activities.
In addition to public safety, Holden advocated for fiscal responsibility, supporting the requirement for Fiscal Impact Statements for City Council legislation that introduces unfunded mandates.
