ICE officials put pressure on New York City by distributing a list of illegal immigrant fugitives who were released by the city despite agency requests to hold them.
“Make no mistake — it is this city’s sanctuary policies that are the sole reason this criminal was allowed to roam the streets freely and end an innocent woman’s life,” acting ICE Director Matthew Albence said.
The list, which was given to reporters, was distributed following the alleged rape and murder of a 92-year-old woman at the hands of an illegal immigrant who was released by New York City despite an ICE request to hold him.
Maria Fuertes was found raped and strangled on a Queens sidewalk in the early morning hours of Jan. 6 and died at the hospital later that day. Reeaz Khan, 21, a Guyanese national, has been charged with two counts each of second-degree murder and first-degree sexual abuse.
ICE says they requested a detainer for Khan six weeks earlier after he was arrested following a fight at his father’s home. The agency claims New York City officials ignored the request in accordance with the city’s “sanctuary city” policies.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has received strong criticism over the implementation of his immigration policies.
“It was only a matter of time before this would happen,” according to a retired Brooklyn detective. “Maria Fuertes’ blood is on Mayor de Blasio’s hands.”
