Jack Ciattarelli Criticizes NYC's Sanctuary City Policy

Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R-District 17), who is seeking the Republican nomination for New Jersey governor, strongly criticized New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio Thursday over New York City's declaration as a "sanctuary city."

"I applaud the good men and women at MADD and many others for their pointed criticism of NYC Mayor de Blasio's ridiculous assertion that drunk driving is a 'very minor' offense. Moreover, I was shocked to learn that as part of Mayor de Blasio's sanctuary city policy, illegal immigrants who commit serious crimes such as sexual misconduct, grand larceny, welfare fraud and identity theft are not turned over to immigration enforcement officials for deportation," said Ciatarelli.

“Given the large number of New Jersey residents who travel to the city on a daily basis for various reasons, Mayor de Blasio's policies are of great concern," he continued. "Considering all law enforcement is up against in keeping us safe, this is no time for ‘sanctuary city’ policies, which only encourage illegal immigration. This and other immigration issues need to be urgently addressed as part of a larger reform package negotiated by President Trump and Congress as soon as possible."

You can watch New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio explain New York City's policy as a sanctuary city. In New York, illegal immigrants who are caught committing crimes such as drunk driving or grand larceny are not turned over to federal immigration officials, because those crimes are considered "minor," Mayor de Blasio said.

"There is nothing minor when drunk driving kills or injures 300,000 people every year,” said Richard Mallow, MADD’s New York state director after de Blasio's interview. “Drunk driving is always a major offense and we should never minimize the impact it has on families and victims."

Ciattarelli represents New Jersey's Legislative District 16, which includes South Brunswick, Princeton, Montgomery, Hillsborough, Millstone (Somerset), Flemington and Branchburg.