New York City Councilman Robert Holden called on the Trump administration Tuesday to pursue criminal charges against Democratic officials who obstruct Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. Speaking on Newsmax, Holden accused fellow Democrats of undermining law enforcement efforts and prioritizing political agendas over public safety.
Holden, a Democrat who has broken ranks with his party on immigration, voiced strong support for ICE’s crackdown on illegal immigrants with criminal records. He criticized Democratic lawmakers for actively working against Trump’s immigration policies, stating, “They’re actually plotting against Trump. They started from day one.” He further alleged that “far-left socialists” are drafting legislation to hinder ICE’s ability to enforce immigration laws.
Holden urged federal authorities to take legal action against elected officials who obstruct ICE operations. “I hope President Trump and certainly Tom Homan come up with actual felonies and charge these elected officials,” he said, referring to the former ICE director. “When you’re going to put up obstacles to prevent ICE from taking criminals off our streets, you shouldn’t be in office.”
In recent years, New York City has struggled with an influx of hundreds of thousands of illegal migrants, forcing the city to spend billions on shelter, food, and other services. The strain on resources led Mayor Eric Adams to implement a 5% budget cut across all city agencies in 2023.
Illegal immigration-related crime has become a growing concern. Several high-profile cases, including a Guatemalan national accused of burning a woman alive on the subway and a Venezuelan migrant convicted of murdering Georgia nursing student Laken Riley, have heightened calls for stricter enforcement.
The Trump administration has taken a hardline stance on immigration enforcement. Recent executive actions include deploying troops to the U.S.-Mexico border, using military aircraft for deportations, and eliminating restrictions on ICE operations in schools and hospitals. Expedited removal policies have also been expanded, allowing for quicker deportations without lengthy court proceedings.
Holden remains one of the few Democratic voices advocating for stricter enforcement within the New York City Council. He argued that common-sense Democrats must speak out, stating, “We don’t need to import more criminals here in New York City—we have enough.”
As ICE increases its operations under the Trump administration, the debate over immigration enforcement and Democratic opposition is expected to intensify in the months ahead.
