NYC Mayor Eric Adams Addresses Migrant Arrests and ICE Cooperation

Case of Merwell Gutierrez

• 📌 A 19-year-old, Merwell Gutierrez, was arrested by the NYPD for gun possession.
• ⚠️ Within 24 hours of arrest, he was transferred to federal custody, specifically ICE, and is now at CCOP.
• ❓ The journalist questioned whether NYPD cooperation with federal authorities might inadvertently lead to immigration enforcement actions.

Mayor Adams's Stance on Gun Possession

• 🎯 Mayor Adams emphasized that the primary lesson is "don't carry a gun."
• 🚨 He expressed outrage that the individual was carrying a gun, stating his priority is New Yorkers' safety from gun violence.
• 🗣️ Adams reiterated his trust in NYPD officers to do their job in arresting individuals for carrying guns.

Scope of Mayoral Responsibility

• 🏛️ Mayor Adams clarified that immigration enforcement is the job of federal authorities, not the mayor.
• 🚫 He stated that his role is to remove dangerous individuals from the streets, which the NYPD did by arresting someone charged with carrying a gun.
• ❓ He questioned why he is being asked about federal processes and suggested directing such questions to the relevant federal agencies.

Message to Immigrants

• ⚖️ Adams's message to all immigrants, documented and undocumented, is consistent: "Follow the law."
• 🚫 He stressed that laws regarding court appearances and not carrying guns must be followed.
• 🤝 He assured that if immigrants go to school, hospitals, or call the police for help, they will not be reported to federal authorities by the NYPD.