ICE Director: Sanctuary Policies Force Dangerous Street Arrests

The acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is strongly defending the agency's enforcement actions. He says local "sanctuary" policies are making arrests more dangerous for everyone. In a recent statement, the director called claims that ICE harasses immigrants "100% false." He instead blamed sanctuary cities. These are cities that limit cooperation with federal immigration agents. The director said these local policies force ICE officers to arrest people in communities. They cannot make safer arrests at local jails. According to him, the targets are often convicted criminals. These include individuals convicted of serious crimes like murder, rape, and kidnapping. The statement highlights a long-standing conflict. The federal government says it must arrest and deport people who break immigration laws. Sanctuary cities say their policies build trust between police and immigrant communities. The ICE director argues the current situation puts his officers and the public at risk. He says ICE is focused on people who threaten public safety.