The arrest of Raymond Rojas Basilio, a convicted child molester and undocumented immigrant, exposes troubling implications of sanctuary city policies regarding public safety and law enforcement.
At a Glance
- Raymond Rojas Basilio, an undocumented Mexican national convicted of child molestation, was arrested by ICE in Queens after serving time for his crime.
- Basilio had illegally entered the U.S. multiple times, evading detainer requests due to local sanctuary city policies.
- Local lawmakers and officials are urging the repeal of sanctuary city policies to enhance public safety.
- Sanctuary policies are under fire for allegedly protecting repeat offenders and hindering federal law enforcement.
Basilio’s Arrest Stirs Debate
Raymond Rojas Basilio, a Mexican national and convicted sex offender, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Queens, New York. He had just completed a 60-day jail sentence for molesting a child under 11. Despite his criminal history and multiple illegal entries into the U.S., Basilio was released without notifying ICE, owing to New York’s sanctuary city policies.
Basilio has been apprehended by border agents several times since 2002, only to return repeatedly. Sanctuary policies in New York City are noted for limiting cooperation with federal agencies, preventing ICE from filing timely detainer requests. Local lawmakers argue these policies inadvertently allow dangerous individuals to remain at large.
#ICYMI https://t.co/sraVkLravr
— ICE (@ICEgov) December 19, 2024
Call for Policy Repeals
Many are calling for policy changes to prevent cases like Basilio’s. New York City Councilman Joe Borelli criticized these policies, stating, “Barring the NYPD from cooperating with ICE only assists scumbags like this.” Advocates for public safety emphasize that repealing sanctuary laws would enable closer collaboration between local and federal enforcement, enhancing the community’s overall security.
“Monsters like this are exactly why sanctuary policies need to end,” further said Councilwoman Joann Ariola (R-Queens).
Councilmembers are advocating for policy shifts. Councilman Robert Holden voices, “The arrest of Raymond Rojas Basilio underscores the failures of sanctuary city laws and open-border policies.” These sentiments are echoed by others who insist on reviewing and potentially repealing these measures to allow for a stronger stance on immigration and community safety.
NEW: ICE Seattle arrested five illegal immigrants convicted of child exploitation crimes last month, fueling migrant crime concerns. This month, they nabbed another two who have enjoyed Washington’s sanctuary state privileges.
Read 👇🏻https://t.co/mRdCX8auz5
— Jason Rantz on KTTH Radio (@jasonrantz) February 28, 2024
Balancing Safety and Sanctuary
The debate over sanctuary city policies addresses the balance between immigrant protections and public safety. As federal and local governments navigate these challenges, incidents like Basilio’s fuel discussions on potential reforms. Federal law enforcement agencies face hurdles in detaining individuals due to non-cooperation policies, as highlighted by ICE’s New York division: “Unfortunately, non-cooperation policies prevented ERO [Enforcement and Removal Operations] from taking immediate custody of this individual upon completion of his local sentence.”
With violent crimes linked to repeat offenders, city officials and communities weigh adjustments to policies that address both humanitarian and safety concerns. As debates intensify, the urgency for a comprehensive approach to addressing public safety and immigration policies becomes increasingly evident.
