NYC NOW - Morning Headlines: Winter Storm Hits NYC Region, School Delays, and Local Hospitals Prepare for ICE Visits

Episode Date: February 6, 2025

A winter storm is bringing snow and freezing rain across the region, causing school delays in New Jersey, Long Island, and Connecticut. Meanwhile, New York City hospitals are advising staff on how to handle visits from immigration officers, clarifying when they must grant access to federal agents.

Welcome to NYC Now. Your source for local news in and around New York City from WNYC. It's Thursday, February 6th. Here's the morning headlines from Michael Hill. The region is weathering another winter storm this morning. W&M.C. Sean Carlson has more on how the city is dealing with the snow and freezing rain. New York City Sanitation Department says 700 salt spreaders are on the streets, along with snow plows as conditions warrant.

Property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks of snow and ice and can face a fine of up to $250 if they don't. Given the slippery conditions, the MTA says commuters should use extra caution on stairs and train platforms, especially when getting on and off trains. And don't worry about moving your car. Alternate side parking is suspended for the day to allow for winter weather operations. Parking meters, though, are in effect. Some local schools are reporting delays because of sleep.

and snow this morning in New Jersey. Schools are opening late in Ocean, Passaic, and Essex counties, among others, on Long Island up to two-hour delays across both Nassau and Suffolk counties, and there are delays in Connecticut throughout Fairfield County. Check with your district before sending the little ones out this morning. New York City hospitals are advising employees on what to do if immigration officers show up. Agents typically have to present ID in any warrants or subpoenas they have, and a designated employee decides whether to let them in. Professor Peter Markowitz of Cardoza Law School says hospitals only have to admit agents if they have a special signed warrant. He says those are rare.

They have things that they call warrants, papers that they call warrants, but they're not signed by judges and even ICE admits that these don't give them the right to enter places without consent. Professor Markowitz says many immigrants are scared to go to the hospitals since President Trump's return to office. Trump ended a policy that made hospitals and schools off limits to enforcement officers. 32 would light snow right now, winter weather advisory as we're getting snow and sleep mixed with freezing rain. It'll be all rain later on with a high of 38.

Thanks for listening. This is NYC now from WNYC. Be sure to catch us every weekday, three times a day, for your top news headlines and occasional deep dives. And subscribe wherever you get your podcast. See you this afternoon.