High Percentage of Midtown NYC Arrests Are of Illegal Immigrants
In recent months, 75% of those arrested in Midtown Manhattan for crimes such as assault, robbery, and domestic violence are immigrants. In Queens, the figure is approximately 60%, according to police sources. On any given day, New York City's criminal court dockets are filled with asylum seekers who have broken the law.
The Impact of Sanctuary City Laws
The situation is exacerbated by sanctuary city laws, which prevent New York police from collaborating with ICE on cases where they suspect the individuals are in the country illegally. The NYPD is also prohibited from tracking the immigration status of offenders. These laws make it almost impossible for authorities to effectively manage the issue.
Jim Quinn, a former prosecutor at the Queens District Attorney’s Office, criticized the sanctuary city law, calling it "pathetic," "disgusting," and "crazy." He believes that the law has removed a tool for dealing with violent criminals, creating a mess.
Soft-on-Crime Policies and Their Impact
Police sources suggest that the city's soft-on-crime policies, which quickly return criminals to the streets after their arrest, have become well-known within the immigrant community. Even if these individuals end up serving time, they are not deterred by the prospect of arrest or imprisonment.
One Bronx police officer stated that these individuals don't care about being arrested or sent to Rikers Island, as they have experienced much worse conditions in their home countries.
Call for Change in Sanctuary City Laws
The issue has become so severe that Mayor Eric Adams has urged the City Council to amend the sanctuary city laws. He stated that the city currently lacks the authorization to coordinate with ICE, and must adhere to the law.
Although overall crime decreased last year, a NYPD spokesperson confirmed that police officers are not allowed to inquire about the immigration status of crime victims, witnesses, or suspects. Consequently, the NYPD does not track data related to immigration statuses.
Crimes Committed by Migrants
A Midtown officer estimated that about 75% of arrests in Midtown Manhattan are of immigrants, primarily for crimes such as robberies, assaults, domestic incidents, and selling counterfeit items. This figure is an estimate as the immigration status of individuals can only be confirmed if they are arrested in a shelter or provide a shelter address.
Another Manhattan officer noted that excluding petty larcenies at drugstores, the proportion of local arrests involving immigrants is easily 75%. Most of those caught shoplifting tend to target high-end stores and expensive branded goods.
Impact on the Courts
In the courts, the number of migrant cases is so high that additional Spanish interpreters are often required. Some of the crimes for which immigrants are being arrested include gang violence and severe sexual assaults.
The Role of Gangs
The Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua, known for terrorizing citizens, has established a presence in NYC and is linked to hundreds of crimes, including the shootings of two NYPD officers. The gang has been smuggling guns into city-run shelters in food delivery bags to evade metal detectors.
One law enforcement source stated that most of the people they arrest are professionals and that these are not their first crimes. They believe that the combination of open border policies and sanctuary city laws are responsible for the current situation.
Bottom Line
The situation in NYC is a complex issue, with the city's sanctuary laws and soft-on-crime policies contributing to a high rate of crime among immigrants. This raises questions about the effectiveness of these policies and the need for reform. What are your thoughts on this matter? Do you agree with the need for change, or do you believe there are other solutions? Share this article with your friends and let them know about the situation. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is delivered every day at 6pm.
