NYC Correction Department Violates Sanctuary City Rules by Confidentially Notifying Federal Immigration Authorities

A recent report reveals that officials within the New York City Department of Correction (DOC) improperly assisted federal immigration enforcement by discreetly sharing information about inmate releases, contravening city laws designed to shield undocumented immigrants from cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The Department of Investigation (DOI) identified at least two instances where a DOC staffer, whose identity remains confidential, unwittingly violated protocol. In one case, in December, the investigator provided Homeland Security Investigations with a screenshot containing the correction report, photos, and courts details of an inmate named Pedro Mujica Villa Nueva, who was awaiting release after charges of assault and grand larceny in Queens.

On February 5, the same investigator reportedly assisted federal agents in detaining Cristian Concepcion, an immigrant in the country illegally, by sharing his detention details. The report states that Concepcion was convicted of third-degree assault and was close to being released at the time.

Federal agents patrolling the halls of immigration court. — Federal agents patrol the halls of immigration court at the Jacob K. Javitz Federal Building.

The DOI report emphasizes that the department lacked proper training on lawful sharing of information with federal authorities, leading to these unintentional breaches. It also underscores the department’s need to improve compliance with sanctuary city policies that prohibit resource use or communication with ICE for civil deportation purposes.

City correction officials responded, acknowledging the report and stating that corrective measures, including enhanced training and stricter protocols, have already been implemented or are in progress. They assured that no city personnel, apart from the implicated employee, had knowledge of or participated in the unauthorized information sharing.

NYC Correction Department vehicle outside Manhattan Detention Complex. — The correction department says it has already taken steps to ensure adherence to sanctuary city rules.

Officials also highlighted ongoing efforts to reinforce training, including integrated modules into recruit and promotional curricula, to prevent future violations and secure ongoing compliance with sanctuary policies.