U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lambasted New York City for its sanctuary policies after the city’s police released a Dominican national charged with sexual misconduct with a child under the age of 11.

ICE arrested Robert Reid Mendez Jimenez on Aug. 13, after he was charged with a child predatory offense.

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) released Jimenez from custody after local officials ignored an immigration detainer from ICE, the federal agency said.

Jimenez was released despite being arrested by the NYPD on multiple sexual abuse charges, including sexual conduct with a child under the age of 11.

Pam Bondi, US attorney general, said last week that she sent letters to sanctuary cities like New York City, giving them a week to comply with federal immigration laws. (Francis Chung/Politico/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Earlier this month, Attorney General Pam Bondi said she sent letters giving sanctuary jurisdictions one week to comply with federal immigration laws or face Justice Department action.

On social media, Bondi called the “demand letters” a key step to eradicating sanctuary policies nationwide. She warned that jurisdictions putting illegal immigrants ahead of citizens would face lawsuits if they refuse to comply.

After Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani’s June primary win, NYPD retirements reportedly surged. Bondi, a past critic of Adams, previously told Fox News Digital strong leadership is crucial for officers’ safety. 

Adams has also worked with border czar Tom Homan on immigration enforcement.