Addressing Safety Concerns in New York City After Coney Island Rape
The recent tragic incident in Coney Island, where Daniel Davon-Bonilla, a repeat offender with a history of sexual assault, reportedly attacked another woman, has once again brought to light the safety concerns facing New York City. This horrifying crime has underscored the serious consequences of the city’s sanctuary-city laws, which have come under scrutiny in recent times.
Despite an ICE detainer on Davon-Bonilla, the NYPD was unable to cooperate with federal authorities to deport him due to these sanctuary-city laws. This allowed him to remain on the streets, posing a threat to the safety of New Yorkers. As NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell rightly questioned, “When will our sanctuary city laws be amended to allow us to notify federal authorities regarding the deportation of non-citizens convicted of violent crimes?” Failing to address this issue only enables individuals like Davon-Bonilla to continue victimizing women in our city.
The recent decision by the city’s Charter Revision Commission to exclude a proposal on sanctuary-city status from the upcoming ballot is not only disappointing but also a dangerous oversight. This decision ignores the urgent security concerns of New Yorkers and fails to address the pressing need for a reevaluation of sanctuary-city policies in the city.
As a member of the City Council Common Sense Caucus, I have been a vocal advocate for reevaluating our sanctuary-city policies in light of the increasing security threats facing our city. Despite overwhelming evidence and the voices of countless New Yorkers urging change, the commission responsible for reviewing and proposing changes to the City Charter has chosen to sidestep this critical issue.
Public sentiment has been clear on the need to address sanctuary-city policies that many believe hinder effective law enforcement and contribute to a lack of accountability for those who violate laws. Numerous surveys and community testimonies have indicated a growing concern over the impacts of these policies on public safety and resources.
A Quinnipiac University poll revealed that seven out of 10 voters view the excessive number of migrants arriving in New York City as a crisis, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Additionally, a recent CBS News poll showed that nearly two in three Americans support the idea of a government program to deport undocumented immigrants. These sentiments underscore the need to reconsider sanctuary-city policies and their impact on public safety.
Despite the overwhelming public support for changes to sanctuary-city policies, the Charter Revision Commission chose to focus on less urgent matters, disregarding the concerns raised by many New Yorkers and the hundreds of written testimonies urging them to address this critical issue.
In June, the Common Sense Caucus introduced legislation to repeal the city’s four key sanctuary statutes, which serve as a shield for those who pose real threats to our safety. The influx of migrants following the end of the Remain in Mexico policy and the reinstatement of “catch and release” by President Biden has overwhelmed our immigration system and placed a significant burden on our city’s resources.
Our caucus has met with officials from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement New York Field Office multiple times in recent years, highlighting the increasing number of individuals reporting to ICE and the challenges faced by an overwhelmed system. With approximately 2 million people on the terror watch list, the risk to our city is undeniable.
The tragic events of 9/11 emphasized the importance of information sharing and security measures, yet sanctuary laws continue to create barriers between city agencies and federal entities like Homeland Security and ICE. The ongoing migrant crisis has further highlighted these issues, with over 204,000 migrants entering our intake system since the spring of 2022 and more than 66,000 currently in our care.
The financial burden of this crisis is staggering, with an estimated $12 billion projected to be spent over the coming fiscal years. This situation is not just a security threat but also an economic crisis, emphasizing the need for decisive action to protect our city and its residents.
City Hall must prioritize the safety and well-being of our citizens above all else. The exclusion of a sanctuary-city proposal from the ballot is a disservice to New Yorkers who deserve the opportunity to voice their opinions on this critical issue. It highlights the disconnect between government officials and the people they are meant to serve.
The Charter Revision Commission’s failure to listen to the concerns of the people is troubling. As Council Member Robert Holden (D) representing District 30 in Queens, I urge city officials to reconsider their stance on sanctuary-city policies and prioritize the safety and security of all New Yorkers. It is essential that we address these safety concerns and work towards creating a safer environment for everyone in our city.
