The arrest of Raymond Rojas Basilio by ICE has reignited a heated debate on sanctuary city policies.
At a Glance
- Raymond Rojas Basilio was captured by ICE after serving a sentence for child molestation.
- Sanctuary city policies possibly shield such offenders from federal immigration officials.
- Several local lawmakers argue for repealing sanctuary laws to enhance public safety.
- Basilio is in the process of being deported to Mexico.
ICE Arrests Repeat Offender
Raymond Rojas Basilio, a Mexican national, was apprehended by federal immigration officials in Queens, placing a spotlight on sanctuary city practices. Basilio recently completed a 60-day jail term for molesting a child under 11. Despite a criminal record and multiple illegal entries into the U.S., local sanctuary laws impeded ICE from filing a detainer request before his release.
His arrest has intensified discussions among lawmakers who call for policy changes. “The arrest of Raymond Rojas Basilio underscores the failures of sanctuary city laws and open-border policies,” stated Councilman Robert Holden. The conversation revolves around whether such policies protect communities or obstruct law enforcement’s ability to handle offenders effectively.
NEW: ICE Seattle arrested five illegal immigrants convicted of child exploitation crimes last month, fueling migrant crime concerns. This month, they nabbed another two who have enjoyed Washington’s sanctuary state privileges.
Read 👇🏻https://t.co/mRdCX8auz5
— Jason Rantz on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) February 28, 2024
Sanctuary Policies Under Scrutiny
Basilio, first caught trying to enter the U.S. illegally in 2002, has repeatedly been deported. He now faces deportation again. Sanctuary policies in many cities limit collaboration with federal agencies like ICE, resulting in his release without notification to immigration officials. The policies aim to promote fair treatment of undocumented immigrants but raise concerns about public safety and the potential threat posed by releasing repeat offenders.
“Unfortunately, non-cooperation policies prevented ERO [Enforcement and Removal Operations] from taking immediate custody of this individual upon completion of his local sentence,” noted the New York division of ICE.
This scenario exemplifies tension between local jurisdictions focused on immigrant rights and federal calls for more robust border controls. Critics argue for repealing sanctuary policies to allow smoother deportations.
#ICYMI https://t.co/sraVkLravr
— ICE (@ICEgov) December 19, 2024
Call to Action by Lawmakers
Local officials have voiced strong opinions against existing sanctuary city policies. Councilwoman Joann Ariola stated, “Monsters like this are exactly why sanctuary policies need to end.” Such comments stress the growing dissatisfaction among certain elected officials about the system’s current state.
With Councilman Robert Holden, Councilwoman Joann Ariola, and Councilman Joe Borelli leading the charge, the effort to review and potentially dismantle sanctuary city laws points to broader debates about immigration policy nationwide. These discussions continue amid rising considerations of balancing public safety with immigrant protection.
