New York has released almost 7,000 criminal illegal immigrants back onto the streets since Donald Trump returned to the White House, without notifying the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office.
The Department of Homeland Security on Monday revealed to the New York Post that these dangerous offenders were granted bail, parole or simply released back into the community with no warning to the agency.
The individuals released include those convicted of serious crimes.
Federal authorities are now demanding New York Attorney General Letitia James guarantee that a further 7,113 who remain in custody will be handed over at the end of their sentences.
The situation has sparked tensions across the state, with New Yorkers demonstrating against the arrival of ICE agents.
Protests turned violent on Saturday during a raid in Downtown Manhattan.
In a letter sent to her office by DHS, James was warned about the nature of those being released.
The letter stated that the individuals are not only in the country illegally, but have committed additional crimes.
The demand letter was signed by acting ICE Director Todd Lyons.
It stated there are 6,947 illegal aliens with active ICE detainers who have been released from custody since January 20, when Trump returned to the White House.
Lyons wrote that virtually all Americans agree that such individuals should be swiftly removed from the United States when they leave New York’s custody.
He expressed concern about them being returned to the streets.
Among the dangerous offenders who were released was Crips gang member Anderson Smith Satuye Martinez, who was arrested in August for criminal possession of a weapon and possession of a controlled substance.
He was released from Rikers Island back into the community despite having an ICE detainer against his name, according to reporting by the Post.
ICE agents picked him up in the Bronx on September 11 and deported him.
According to the department, James received a similar letter back on September 15, but the warning went unanswered.
New York has sanctuary laws in place which prevent local law enforcement officers from cooperating with federal agents.
In addition to the illegal immigrants who were already released, there are as many as 7,113 who remain locked up in custody with active detainers.
These criminals are responsible for 148 homicides, 717 assaults, 260 sexual offenses, 134 burglaries and 235 dangerous drug offenses.
The letter asked James to confirm whether the State of New York plans to honor detainers on these individuals.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin criticized James and her fellow New York Sanctuary politicians.
McLaughlin accused them of releasing dangerous criminals back into neighborhoods and putting American lives at risk.
She called on James to stop this practice and commit to honoring the ICE arrest detainers of the more than 7,000 criminal illegal aliens in New York’s custody.
McLaughlin stated it is common sense that criminal illegal aliens should not be released back onto streets.
The tensions erupted just days after more than 150 demonstrators attempted to block agents during a raid in Downtown Manhattan on Saturday.
Activists lined up trashcans and plant pots in the road in an attempt to barricade agents as they conducted a sting in Chinatown.
The demonstration erupted after rumors spread that ICE agents would be rounding up illegal immigrants in the area.
Large groups of protesters quickly began grouping around a garage where ICE agents were reportedly mustering before the chaos broke loose.
Demonstrators threw trash and cardboard boxes into the street and stood in front of moving vehicles in an attempt to prevent the raid.
Video from Freedom TV showed the NYPD clashing with protesters and desperately trying to clear the roadway, with some protesters violently shoved out of the way of white vans.
Some protesters were seen pouring water in their eyes after being pepper sprayed.
Other demonstrators were seen blocking a driveway while NYPD and what appeared to be ICE agents blocked the entrance into the garage.
One man yelled “You people are scum!” as police surrounded a person on the ground. Another man yelled “You disgusting, you guys, man,” and “F**k all y’all, man. New York!”
In October, federal agents shut down Canal Street to target illegal street vendors.
A bag vendor reportedly sprinted up and down Canal Street shouting that ICE was present and pointing to unmarked cars.
Trump had contemplated sending in the National Guard as he had to other liberal cities, but paused his plans after meeting with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.
Despite previous criticism of the Democratic socialist during the run-up to the local elections, Trump was impressed by Mamdani and felt no rush to intervene after the meeting.
Resist the Mainstream previously reported that Trump said other places need National Guard assistance more right now, but indicated he would provide it if New York needed it.
He stated they had a very good meeting and discussed the issue.
