As the Trump administration ramps up its criticism of the NYPD’s handling of undocumented immigrants accused of crimes, the Brooklyn district attorney on Monday announced a new policy intended to lessen the chances of deportation for immigrants convicted of low-level offenses.
“I am committed to equal and fair justice for all Brooklyn residents — citizens, lawful residents and undocumented immigrants alike,” Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said.
The announcement comes in the wake of statements by President Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions that New York City, which has identified itself as a sanctuary city, is “soft on crime.”
“Now more than ever, we must ensure that a conviction, especially for a minor offense, does not lead to unintended and severe consequences like deportation, which can be unfair, tear families apart and destabilize our communities and businesses,” Gonzalez continued.
The Brooklyn DA’s Office has hired two immigration attorneys to counsel staff on immigration law, in addition to providing advice when prosecutors make plea offers and sentencing recommendations to suspects.
“In Brooklyn, we have been proactive in protecting immigrants from fraud and hate crimes, and now, with the unprecedented hiring of immigration attorneys and the implementation of this policy, we continue to lead on this important issue,” Gonzalez said.
“We will not stop prosecuting crimes, but we are determined to see that case outcomes are proportionate to the offense as well as fair and just for everyone.”
Lawful residents, including green-card holders, can be deported following convictions or guilty pleas, even for minor offenses, under the law.
The DA’s office says it will now aim to reach an immigration-neutral disposition, if possible — noting that various other factors will affect prosecutors’ ability to do so.
Persons found guilty or who take pleas to violent felonies will still face appropriate subsequent immigration consequences under the new policy.
The announcement comes as Mayor de Blasio continues to assert that New York City will remain a sanctuary city, despite threats of loss of funding from the federal government.
“This is an important step to protect Brooklyn’s large and diverse immigrant population,” New York Immigration Coalition Executive Director Steven Choi said.