In a recent disclosure by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), it has come to light that New York state officials have released approximately 7,000 migrants with criminal backgrounds back into communities. This action was taken instead of complying with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainers for deportation, due to the state's sanctuary policies. Among the released individuals are those convicted of serious crimes such as homicide, sexual offenses, and gang-related activities.
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons emphasized the public's strong opposition to allowing violent criminals to remain in the United States. He stated, “virtually all Americans agree that people like this should be swiftly removed from the United States when they leave New York’s custody and not be returned to our streets to wreak havoc on law-abiding citizens.”
DHS has cited several cases to illustrate the gravity of the situation. Vyacheslav Danilovich Kim, for example, convicted for an offense involving a minor, was initially released due to non-cooperation with ICE by probation workers and was later rearrested and deported. Another case involved Steven Daniel Henriquez Galicia, charged with attempted murder, who was released on cashless bail against prosecutors' recommendations. He, too, was subsequently rearrested by ICE. Honduran national and suspected gang member Anderson Smith Satuye Martinez, along with Jesus Romero Hernandez, a multiple deportee who assaulted a police officer with a machete, were also cited as examples of the state's failure to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
ICE is now demanding that New York hand over an additional 7,113 criminal migrants currently detained in state jails and prisons. These include individuals guilty of egregious offenses such as murder, rape, and armed robbery. Since January 20, a total of 6,947 migrants with active detainers have been released, as New York's sanctuary laws permit local agencies to prevent cooperation with ICE, even in cases involving violent criminals.
The sanctuary policies trace back to a 2017 executive order by then-Governor Andrew Cuomo, which prohibited state agencies from assisting in immigration enforcement. While current Governor Kathy Hochul has indicated the state's willingness to cooperate in certain instances, New York City upholds more stringent sanctuary laws.
State Attorney General Letitia James has been singled out by DHS, which accuses her of failing to ensure the handover of dangerous offenders to federal authorities. In response to federal inquiries, James stated that her office could not address the different practices across jurisdictions, a position that has not satisfied DHS officials.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin condemned the policies of James and other sanctuary politicians, accusing them of jeopardizing American lives by releasing "murderers, terrorists, and sexual predators" into neighborhoods. The department concluded its correspondence with a stern warning, questioning whether New York will honor future detainers or if these criminals will once again walk free.
