New York City Council Member Wants Almost $200 Million to Defend Illegal Immigrants From ICE

  New York City Council Member Tiffany Caban has proposed a plan to use nearly $200 million in taxpayer money to provide legal defenses for undocumented immigrants facing deportation. This proposal emerges in response to reported actions by the federal government, particularly under the Trump administration.

• Proposed Funding: Caban suggests allocating approximately $200 million to defend illegal immigrants from U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The funding aims to ensure that immigrants have access to legal support in the face of federal immigration laws.

• Political Context: Caban is affiliated with the Democratic Socialists of America and argues that recent federal actions amount to an assault on democracy, claiming that federal troops may be used inappropriately against immigrants.

• Budget Breakdown: The Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) estimates the total funding needed at $188.5 million, which includes $145 million for free legal assistance and $43.5 million for other immigration services. This request follows an increase to a $120 million budget earlier in June.

• Legislative Intent: Caban emphasizes the need for multi-year contracts and urges the creation of accessible funding channels for immigrant support services. She cited recent political climate changes as a justification for needing a tripled budget for immigrant defenses.

• Community Engagement: Caban has previously organized an event, called "Stand Against ICE," where community members learned how to resist ICE actions and protect long-term residents who are undocumented. This reflects a broader push for localized and engaged activism in immigration issues.

The push by NYC Council Member Tiffany Caban to allocate nearly $200 million for the legal defense of undocumented immigrants indicates a significant response to perceived federal overreach and a strategic effort to protect immigrant rights at the city level. This initiative reflects a growing trend of local governance challenging federal immigration policies, highlighting the tensions in the national debate over immigration laws and enforcement.

https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2025/11/new-york-city-council-member-wants-almost-200/