Putnam County Exec. Byrne asks NYC to modify 'sanctuary city' stance

CARMEL, N.Y.—Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne is pushing back against NYC’s “sanctuary city” policies.

According to a Jan. 23 press release from the County Executive's office, Byrne sent an official letter to New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Jan. 23, asking the mayor "to take emergency executive action and roll back New York City’s sanctuary city policies as a means of addressing the ongoing migrant crisis and improving public safety.”

Byrne’s letter highlights the impact of illegal immigration on Putnam County and other communities across the region and calls for increased collaboration between local and federal immigration-enforcement agencies.

While Byrne acknowledged the challenges faced by New York City and praised Adams’s recent remarks “supporting stronger border security and accountability for criminal illegal migrants,” he believes NYC should suspend “restrictive” sanctuary laws that prevent cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“New York City’s policies have consequences that ripple far beyond its borders,” Byrne said. “The sanctuary laws adopted in recent years have created a haven for criminals, undermining public safety and straining resources not just in the city but in neighboring counties like ours. Mayor Adams has an opportunity to take decisive action, and I am asking him to exercise his power as mayor to roll back these sanctuary policies for the benefit of all New Yorkers.”

Byrne noted that Putnam County has taken proactive measures to address the issue, including a 2023 state of emergency declaration that formalized cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

And while the emergency declaration was later rescinded when new local legislation was enacted, the county government "remains committed to protecting its residents and to supporting policies that promote public safety,” the press release said.

County Legislator Erin Lee Crowley — who represents parts of Mahopac — said New York City needed to change its approach to undocumented immigrants.

“Putnam County has worked hard to ensure the safety of our residents, and I applaud County Executive Byrne for taking a stand,” Crowley said. “It’s time for New York City to rethink its policies and prioritize the safety of all communities, not just its own. Cooperation with federal agencies is a critical step forward.”

Byrne believes suspending sanctuary city policies will allow city and federal law enforcement and federal immigration-enforcement agencies “to better target violent criminals and gang members who benefit from the current status quo,” the press release said.

This “would help distinguish between immediate threats to public safety and individuals with minor infractions, reducing unnecessary federal enforcement actions against non-violent individuals,” the release concluded.