NYPD Chief Condemns NYC Sanctuary Status After Illegal Migrant Charged in Knifepoint Rape

NYPD Chief condemns NYC sanctuary status after illegal migrant charged in knifepoint rape. Find out more about the controversy and response

New York City Councilmen Joe Borelli and Robert Holden recently discussed proposed legislation on "Fox & Friends" aimed at addressing illegal immigration issues as the city grapples with an increase in migrant-related crime.

 

Their conversation followed a troubling incident where an illegal migrant, Daniel Davon-Bonilla, allegedly raped a woman at knifepoint.

 

NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell criticized the city's sanctuary status, which limits cooperation between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Chell highlighted a recent case involving Davon-Bonilla, a 24-year-old migrant from Nicaragua, who was released from jail in June 2024 after serving time for a previous sexual assault. According to Chell, Davon-Bonilla was allowed to return to the streets and allegedly committed another violent crime shortly after his release.

 

Chell expressed frustration with the sanctuary city policies, arguing that they prevent the city from notifying federal authorities about deporting noncitizens convicted of violent crimes. He emphasized the need for changes to these policies to better protect the city's residents from repeat offenders.

 

New York City's sanctuary status restricts local agencies from cooperating with ICE on immigration enforcement, a policy that has been a point of contention in discussions about crime and immigration in the city.