On May 6 (Tuesday), New York City Mayor Adam Adams and New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Jessica Tisch held a press conference to announce New York City’s strict stance against the illegal immigrant teenagers who attacked police officers in Times Square over the weekend.
During the meeting, the two officials defended the NYPD’s Gang Database practice, which some city council members are working to eliminate. Adams also clarified New York City’s cooperation with ICE in criminal investigations in response to media inquiries. When asked if the young attackers should be deported, Adams gave an affirmative answer.
Furthermore, New York media repeatedly asked questions regarding the age of the attackers, their illegal immigrant status, and the cooperation between New York and ICE, all of which Adams provided clear explanations for.
Adam Adams stated, “Those who harm innocent people must be held accountable and face legal consequences. You may be 15 years old, but if you decide to stab someone, I will not accept that. When it comes to young offenders, justice must be served. When you become a victim of crime, the age of the perpetrator should be the least of your concerns.”
Defending the Gang Database: Which side are you on?
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch explained that the swift identification of suspects in the Times Square incident was due to the Gang Database the police had. Tisch emphasized the importance of the Gang Database in protecting both police officers and the community by facilitating swift identification of individuals, their associations, and affiliations. She argued that organized violence cannot be combated effectively without such tools.
The city council is considering legislation to abolish the NYPD’s Gang Database, citing concerns of “racism.” Tisch expressed the need for the city council to focus on legislation for public safety rather than targeting the police.
Tisch highlighted that the Times Square crime was not petty but a well-planned, premeditated, and carefully orchestrated “pack-style” attack. She emphasized the systemic failures that allowed criminals to be repeatedly arrested and released, leading to innocent people paying the price.
Adams publicly questioned lawmakers, judges, and everyone in the criminal justice system, asking, “Which side are you on? Are you on the side of the innocent or those surrounding them (criminals)? Everyone needs to answer this question, and I know I stand with the innocent.”
Following the incident on Friday, ICE officials arrived at the scene. When asked if the NYPD was cooperating with ICE, both Adams and Tisch reiterated that they do not collaborate with ICE on civil matters. However, Adams noted that if individuals within the police force witness illegal immigrants attacking officers and choose to inform ICE, it is not an official departmental action.
Adams confirmed, “We are happy to coordinate with ICE for criminal investigations; we do not limit what we do in support of criminal investigations.” He maintained that ICE is a legal, public safety-oriented federal law enforcement partner, not a criminal or illegal organization.
Journalists directly asked the mayor whether young gang members should be deported, to which Adams unequivocally affirmed, “Once you are convicted and serve your sentence, regardless of its length, you forfeit the right to reside in this country. You should not harm other immigrants, asylum seekers, or innocent New Yorkers. If you do, you forfeit your right to live in what I believe is the greatest country in the world.”