The US Department of Homeland Security has disclosed that authorities in New York have released almost 7,000 criminal illegal migrants back onto the streets without notifying federal immigration officials since Donald Trump returned to the White House.
Federal Authorities Issue Stern Demand
In a letter sent to New York Attorney General Letitia James, the DHS warned that 6,947 individuals with active ICE detainers have been freed from custody since January 20. These releases, which included bail, parole, or simple discharges, occurred without any warning to Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The letter, signed by acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, stated that those released are "people who are not only in the country illegally, but who have committed additional crimes, including heinous crimes like murder, rape, possession of child pornography, armed robbery, and many others." Lyons emphasised that "virtually all Americans agree that people like this should be swiftly removed from the United States."
Sanctuary Laws and a Growing Standoff
This situation stems directly from New York's sanctuary laws, which restrict local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration agents. The DHS is now demanding a guarantee that a further 7,113 criminal migrants currently in New York custody will be handed over at the end of their sentences.
According to federal data, this remaining group is responsible for a staggering number of offences:
- 148 homicides
- 717 assaults
- 260 sexual offences
- 134 burglaries
- 235 dangerous drug offences
The letter pointedly asks James to "confirm whether the State of New York plans to honor detainers on these aliens or whether each of these barbarians will someday walk the streets of New York again."
Case Studies and Escalating Tensions
Among those released was Anderson Smith Satuye Martinez, a Crips gang member arrested in August for weapon and drug possession. Despite an active ICE detainer, he was released from Rikers Island. ICE agents eventually located and deported him on September 11.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin accused James and "her fellow New York Sanctuary politicians" of "releasing murderers, terrorists, and sexual predators back into our neighborhoods and putting American lives at risk." She called for an end to this "dangerous derangement."
The political friction has spilled onto the streets. On Saturday, more than 150 demonstrators attempted to block an ICE raid in Downtown Manhattan's Chinatown. Protesters used trash cans and plant pots to barricade roads, leading to clashes with NYPD officers who made several arrests after the crowd failed to disperse.
This incident highlights the deepening national divide over immigration enforcement. The DHS reported deporting 527,000 illegal migrants this year, with a year-end target of 600,000. While the White House aims for one million immigration-related arrests in 2025, current daily arrest figures fall significantly short of its 3,000-per-day goal.
