New York City Council Discusses Vital Immigrant Protections with New Trust Act Proposal

City Council members convened on December 8, 2025, to discuss the New York City Trust Act, a legislative proposal designed to enhance protections for immigrant communities and establish accountability for violations of sanctuary laws. Advocates highlighted the bill as vital for safeguarding the rights of immigrant New Yorkers amid escalating federal enforcement activities.

The New York City Trust Act, formally known as Intro 214, aims to create a private right of action, allowing individuals whose rights are breached by city agencies to take legal action. This provision seeks to empower New Yorkers who face illegal detentions or wrongful sharing of information between local agencies and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to hold those agencies accountable (Source: https://youtu.be/VEa9oAEohQQ&t=13101). Currently, many immigrants fear local agencies, which hinders their access to necessary services like healthcare and education due to apprehensions about being reported to federal authorities. The Trust Act aims to alleviate those fears by reinforcing existing sanctuary protections and providing clear recourse for violations (Source: https://youtu.be/VEa9oAEohQQ&t=5800).

In the hearing, speakers emphasized the urgency of passing the Trust Act as a necessary response to ongoing violations of immigrants’ rights. Reports submitted to the council indicated troubling cases where local entities, including the Department of Corrections, allegedly cooperated with ICE, undermining the sanctity of sanctuary policies (Source: https://youtu.be/VEa9oAEohQQ&t=8159). Advocates argued that without robust enforcement mechanisms, the protections meant to ensure the safety and stability of immigrant communities may continue to be ignored, putting families at risk of separation and deportation (Source: https://youtu.be/VEa9oAEohQQ&t=2179).

Council members noted that the landscape of immigrant rights in New York City must be fortified, particularly in light of potential federal policy changes and increased enforcement efforts anticipated with the new administration. Multiple speakers urged the council to act swiftly and decisively to protect the rights and dignity of immigrant residents, emphasizing that the Trust Act reflects the city’s commitment to being a sanctuary for all (Source: https://youtu.be/VEa9oAEohQQ&t=4690). The legislation seeks to not only uphold existing laws but also restore trust between immigrant communities and local government.

The Trust Act is part of a broader narrative in which the council has continuously reaffirmed its dedication to protecting immigrant populations at a time when fear and uncertainty loom large, especially following recent national developments (Source: https://getlocalpost.com/2025/01/17/accountability-for-sanctuary-violations-on-agenda-as-nyc-officials-discuss-protecting-immigrants/). With significant support from community advocates and organizations, the passage of Intro 214 is viewed as a pivotal step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of millions of New Yorkers.