Rep. Claudia Tenney asked New York Attorney General Letitia James on Friday to explain whether her office has helped prosecutors change firearm charges or conviction records to limit immigration consequences for defendants.
In an Oct. 30 letter, the New York Republican cited allegations in a House Judiciary Committee report that New York City district attorneys have considered deportation consequences when charging noncitizens and negotiating plea agreements.
Letter seeks answers about prosecutors' practices
Tenney requested written answers to three questions: whether James or anyone in her office directed, advised, encouraged, approved or coordinated changes to firearm charges or records to avoid immigration consequences; whether her office knew of such policies before an Oct. 29 news conference; and whether she supports or opposes the practice.
The letter cites the committee's Oct. 26 report as alleging that Bronx prosecutors were instructed in some firearms cases to omit references to a firearm from conviction records or offer dispositions that do not identify one. Tenney argues those changes could prevent deportation consequences tied to certain firearm convictions.
Tenney also said James and city district attorneys did not answer a reporter's question about the allegations during the Thursday event. Her letter requests an explanation of James' role and position; it does not establish that the attorney general directed the charging decisions at issue.
“Public safety should never take a back seat to political agendas,” Tenney said in a news release. She accused prosecutors of maintaining a two-tiered justice system and said she would continue seeking transparency and accountability.
Tenney also criticized James' opposition to federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives regulatory efforts that the congresswoman characterized as strengthening gun rights. The letter asks for a prompt response but sets no specific deadline.
Request follows New York City gun-enforcement announcement
James joined Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch and the city's five district attorneys Thursday for an announcement about gun seizures. The NYPD said officers had recovered 4,503 guns since January, including 270 ghost guns.
In that announcement, James said her office would continue working with police and community partners against gun violence. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz emphasized serious consequences for people who make, sell, transport or buy illegal guns.
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