New York City is bracing for the repercussions of President Donald Trump’s recent repeal of federal guidelines that restricted immigration enforcement in sensitive locations such as schools, hospitals, and shelters. While Mayor Eric Adams has remained tight-lipped about the city’s official stance, internal memos reveal a coordinated effort to block federal agents from accessing city facilities without explicit legal authorization.
In recent days, city agencies have reportedly issued detailed instructions to their staff, emphasizing the need to involve legal counsel before granting access to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), or other federal law enforcement. The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), which oversees dozens of city-owned buildings and state court facilities, instructed employees to redirect federal agents to agency lawyers—even when presented with judicial warrants.
An internal memo from DCAS Commissioner Louis Molina and General Counsel J. Carolina Chavez outlined strict protocols for staff. Employees must document the agent’s name, badge number, and purpose of the visit, as well as take a photo or obtain a copy of any warrant presented. Federal agents are to be “politely directed to wait outside” while agency lawyers review the situation. The memo also emphasized that administratively issued warrants would not be considered valid for granting access.
The directives reflect a broader effort to uphold New York City’s sanctuary policies, which prohibit city officials from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement in most cases. However, exceptions are outlined for “exigent circumstances,” such as imminent threats to life or safety.
The Department of Education (DOE) has also bolstered its protocols, reiterating that ICE agents are barred from entering school premises under any circumstances. Principals have been directed to contact senior legal counsel even if presented with a judicial warrant. In cases involving immediate threats, school officials must notify both the DOE legal team and law enforcement while maintaining strict adherence to the city’s sanctuary policies.
Similarly, the Department of Social Services (DSS), which oversees shelters and other facilities serving vulnerable populations, has issued reminders to nonprofit providers. DSS Commissioner Molly Park stressed that federal agents must present a judge-signed warrant before gaining access to facilities. Providers were instructed to notify program administrators and legal counsel immediately in such cases.
The measures come as New York City faces heightened uncertainty following Trump’s executive order, which reversed Obama-era protections established in 2011. Those guidelines, further expanded under President Joe Biden, designated schools, hospitals, and other locations as off-limits for immigration enforcement. Trump’s repeal marks a sharp departure from those policies, signaling a renewed focus on aggressive deportation efforts.
As La Voce di New York reported on Tuesday, despite the city’s internal mobilization, Mayor Adams has avoided taking a public stand against Trump’s policy shift. During a press briefing on Tuesday, Adams deflected questions about how the city would respond to potential mass deportation campaigns. “We’re telling our team to follow the law. The law is clear. We’re going to follow the law,” he said, offering no further details.
The mayor’s recent actions have only fueled speculation. Over the weekend, Adams met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago and attended the president’s inauguration, skipping planned events in New York City commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Adams has also refrained from commenting on Trump’s controversial executive orders, including a mass pardon for individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riots and an attempt to end birthright citizenship.
New York City’s sanctuary laws, which limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, have long been a point of pride for local leaders. However, Adams has hinted at a potential shift in policy, suggesting the city could explore ways to collaborate with federal authorities in cases involving undocumented immigrants charged with violent felonies.
