Under the law, the city is permitted to honor detention requests only for individuals convicted of "violent or serious" crimes—a list that includes more than 170 offenses, such as rape and murder. Additionally, ICE must provide a warrant signed by a federal judge with each request in order for it to be considered.

The U.S. Department of Justice is suing New York City and Mayor Eric Adams over its sanctuary city policies, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi. In a post on social media Thursday afternoon, Bondi said Adams and the city are “continuing to obstruct law enforcement” with the sanctuary city laws in place.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who has criticized aspects of sanctuary initiatives for years, has staunchly defended himself over allegations that he is to blame for the policy.