NYC jail staff not informed about sanctuary policies preventing cooperation with ICE, according to a recent report.

Amid discussions surrounding the potential reopening of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office on Rikers Island, New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ administration has come under scrutiny for failing to provide adequate training to Department of Correction (DOC) staff regarding the disclosure of information relating to undocumented individuals incarcerated in the city’s jails. A recent report from the Department of Investigation (DOI) highlights that shortcomings in training and guidance have contributed to unauthorized sharing of information with federal immigration authorities.

The DOI report reveals that while the administration began exploring the reopening of the ICE office as early as December 2024, the DOC did not adequately inform its staff about the limitations set by city law regarding the sharing of sensitive information. This lack of training extended to New York’s “sanctuary city” laws, which are designed to protect undocumented individuals from being reported to federal enforcement agencies.

The investigation was triggered by two incidents in February 2025, where it was discovered that a DOC investigator had illicitly shared information with ICE. The report established that the investigator lacked an understanding of the legal prohibitions against sharing this type of information, particularly as it pertained to individuals not under criminal investigation but rather facing potential deportation. According to DOI Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber, city policy explicitly prohibits the use of municipal resources to facilitate federal immigration enforcement, including the sharing of information with federal law enforcement.

In detailing the report’s findings, Strauber criticized the DOC for its failure to provide proper training, asserting that the department should conduct a comprehensive audit to identify any similar violations. While inquiries directed to correction officials have been referred to City Hall, responses from the administration have been delayed.

The DOI investigation unveiled specific cases where improper disclosures occurred. For instance, in February, a DOC investigator alerted ICE about Cristian Concepcion, who was being released after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge. Subsequently, ICE agents apprehended him shortly after his release, which led to a significant public reaction and federal acknowledgment of the arrest through social media.

The situation is further complicated by the context of the ongoing debate regarding the potential reintegration of ICE operations within New York’s correctional facilities. Mayor Adams first broached the topic publicly in late 2024, and a subsequent executive order issued by his administration sought to facilitate the establishment of an ICE office. However, this move faced legal challenges and was met with resistance from the City Council, which successfully secured a preliminary injunction against the executive order.

As debates continue over the intersection of local policy and federal immigration enforcement, the DOC’s mishandling of sensitive information raises significant concerns regarding the oversight and training of personnel tasked with adhering to city regulations. In light of the findings, it remains imperative for the DOC to implement robust training programs and to ensure adherence to both local laws and departmental policies that safeguard the rights of vulnerable populations.

Media News Source