Urgent Update: New York has released nearly 7,000 criminal migrants into the community without notifying Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), sparking outrage and urgent demands from federal authorities. These individuals, many of whom have committed serious crimes including rape and murder, were granted bail or released outright since January 20, 2025, when Donald Trump returned to the White House.
Officials from the Department of Homeland Security reported this alarming situation on December 2, 2025, revealing that among those released were individuals with active ICE detainers. This includes dangerous offenders like Anderson Smith Satuye Martinez, a gang member who was apprehended after his release and later deported. The situation has raised serious public safety concerns as New Yorkers demand accountability from state officials.
In a formal letter to Letitia James, New York’s Attorney General, acting ICE Director Todd Lyons stated that 7,113 criminals with active detainers remain incarcerated and must be surrendered to federal authorities upon their release. “These are people who are not only in the country illegally but who have committed heinous crimes,” Lyons emphasized.
The response from the New York public has been intense, with protests erupting against the presence of ICE agents in the state. On Saturday, demonstrations in Downtown Manhattan turned violent as activists attempted to block ICE operations, leading to clashes with police. NYPD officers reported multiple arrests as protesters threw debris and attempted to obstruct federal agents.
“This is a matter of public safety,” stated a DHS representative, calling out local politicians for allowing violent offenders to walk free. The letter to James highlighted the staggering statistics: the released individuals are linked to 148 homicides, 717 assaults, 260 sexual offenses, and numerous drug-related crimes.
New York’s sanctuary laws complicate the situation, as they prevent local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration officials. This has led to rising tensions between state and federal authorities, with ICE agents vowing to continue their operations despite local opposition.
As this situation develops, the focus remains on whether New York will comply with federal demands regarding the remaining detainees. The implications are significant, as the state grapples with how to manage the balance between local laws and federal immigration enforcement.
Authorities are urging immediate action, with public sentiment increasingly alarmed over safety concerns. As protests continue and ICE operations intensify, New Yorkers are left questioning their safety and the long-term ramifications of these policies.
Stay tuned for updates as this critical story unfolds.
