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DHS Calls on New York AG to Enforce ICE Detainers as Thousands of Criminal Immigrants Released
The Department of Homeland Security is urging New York Attorney General Letitia James to take immediate action against New York City over its refusal to honor immigration detainer requests, creating what federal officials describe as a significant public safety risk.
According to DHS, New York jurisdictions have released nearly 7,000 immigrants with criminal backgrounds back into communities since January 20, despite active ICE detainer requests. An additional 7,000 individuals with detainers currently remain in New York custody.
“New York City’s failure to honor ICE detainers has resulted in the release of 6,947 criminal illegal aliens since January 20,” DHS stated in a social media post. “We are calling on NY Attorney General Letitia James to stop this dangerous derangement and commit to honoring our ICE arrest detainers. It’s common sense.”
In response to inquiries, James’ office referenced a letter she sent to Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons in September, explaining that her office rarely takes custody of individuals and therefore doesn’t directly receive detainer requests. She noted that such requests are typically sent to various local entities across New York, each with their own policies regarding federal immigration enforcement.
“This creates a range of lawful practices that we cannot address in our capacity as the attorney general,” James wrote.
The exchange marks an escalation in tensions between federal immigration authorities and New York’s sanctuary policies, which limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Lyons responded Monday with a detailed letter outlining specific cases where ICE eventually apprehended individuals who had been released despite detainers. One case involved Steven Daniel Henriquez Galicia, arrested by local authorities for attempted murder and weapon possession. After his release, ICE arrested him in the Bronx, where he remains in federal custody pending immigration proceedings.
In another case, Vyacheslav Danilovich Kim, convicted of serious child sex crimes, was eventually deported after ICE arrested him leaving a probation appointment – but only after what Lyons described as refusals by Albany County and New York Probation to assist in locating him.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin sharply criticized New York officials, stating: “Attorney General James and her fellow New York Sanctuary politicians are releasing murderers, terrorists, and sexual predators back into our neighborhoods and putting American lives at risk.”
McLaughlin also directed criticism at Governor Kathy Hochul, claiming the nearly 7,000 released individuals with criminal backgrounds included those accused of 29 homicides, over 2,500 assaults, and hundreds of sexual, drug, and weapons offenses.
According to DHS data, the 7,113 immigrants currently in New York custody with active detainers face charges including 148 homicides, 717 assaults, and 260 sexual offenses.
The dispute comes amid heightened tensions surrounding immigration enforcement in New York City, particularly in Chinatown, where ICE operations have sparked ongoing protests for over a month. Last Saturday, police made multiple arrests during demonstrations in Lower Manhattan as protesters blocked streets, threw trash at officers, and pushed barricades against law enforcement.
Video footage showed demonstrators obstructing ICE vehicles with potted plants and recycling bins while shouting at officers. Police reported that many arrests occurred after protesters failed to comply with orders to disperse.
The standoff between federal immigration authorities and New York’s state and local officials reflects broader national tensions over immigration policy and enforcement priorities, particularly as the incoming Trump administration has signaled plans for more aggressive enforcement actions nationwide.
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10 Comments
This is a complex issue with valid concerns on both sides. Enforcing immigration laws is important, but detaining individuals without due process also raises civil liberties concerns. It would be good to see a balanced approach that respects the rights of all while also protecting public safety.
I agree, a nuanced solution that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders is needed here. Hopefully the AG and DHS can work together constructively to find a reasonable compromise.
Immigration is a polarizing issue, but it’s important to avoid knee-jerk reactions and look at the facts and details. I’d be curious to learn more about the specific individuals released and the rationale behind those decisions. A balanced, evidence-based approach is needed.
Absolutely, we should avoid sensationalism and look at the full context. Constructive discussion grounded in facts is the best path forward on complex issues like this.
This is a complex issue without easy answers. I appreciate the AG’s perspective on upholding civil liberties, but public safety is also a critical concern. Hopefully the various parties can find a reasonable compromise that respects the rights of all while also protecting communities.
Well said. Balancing competing priorities is never easy, but an open dialogue and good-faith effort to understand each other’s concerns is essential. With some compromise, I’m hopeful they can reach a workable solution.
Curious to hear more details on the specifics of the 7,000 criminal immigrants released. What were the charges and circumstances around their release? Proper procedures and oversight are crucial when it comes to immigration enforcement and public safety.
Yes, more transparency around the details would help provide context. It’s a complex issue without easy answers, so I hope both sides can approach it objectively and find a workable solution.
This seems like a challenging situation without simple solutions. Reasonable people can disagree on the right balance between enforcing laws and protecting civil liberties. I hope the various parties can find common ground and a sensible compromise.
Agreed, nuance and good-faith dialogue will be key here. Hopefully cooler heads can prevail and they can work together constructively to address the concerns on all sides.