Still stunned that New York police released an illegal immigrant sought by ICE who then went on to allegedly rape and murder a 92-year-old woman, federal officials Friday ripped the city’s “sanctuary” status and asked political leaders to join them “to keep this city safe.”

In New York, acting Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Matthew T. Albence blamed Mayor Bill de Blasio’s sanctuary policies for releasing a Guyanese man, Reeaz Khan, in November who then 40 days later allegedly sexually abused Maria Fuertes, 92, in Queens. She later died of her injuries, including a broken spine.