In recent months, approximately 75% of arrests in Midtown Manhattan have involved migrants, according to reports shared by law enforcement officials to the New York Post.
New York City, a sanctuary, is increasingly flooded with crimes such as assault, robbery, and domestic violence.
Police sources indicate that as many as 75% of recent arrests in Midtown Manhattan are migrants, many of whom are linked to violent crimes and theft.
In parts of Queens, the number stands at over 60%, underscoring a citywide trend. According to law enforcement officials, the influx of migrants has placed additional strain on an already burdened system.
The report reveals that criminal court dockets in New York are packed with asylum seekers, many of whom have violated the law.
Sanctuary City Policies
Despite these figures, the New York Police Department (NYPD) is prohibited from asking suspects about their immigration status and barred from collaborating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to the city’s sanctuary policies.
This has made tracking and addressing the issue more difficult for law enforcement.
New York’s sanctuary city laws have been a significant factor in the rising number of migrant-related arrests. Critics argue that these policies have handcuffed the police, preventing them from effectively managing crime in the city.
Jim Quinn, a former prosecutor, called the sanctuary city laws “pathetic” and “disgusting,” noting that they have removed critical tools that would allow the city to address violent crime.
Other police officers echoed this sentiment, expressing frustration at the lack of coordination between local law enforcement and federal authorities.
A Midtown officer explained, “I would say about 75% of the arrests in Midtown Manhattan are migrants, mostly for robberies, assaults, domestic incidents, and selling counterfeit items.”
Another officer confirmed the estimate,”you can’t be 100% sure [they’re migrants] unless you arrest them in a shelter or they’re dumb enough to give you a shelter address.”
Crime Spikes in Queens and Other Boroughs
In Queens, the migrant crime wave is equally apparent. Local police officers report that over 60% of arrests in some areas, like Jackson Heights, involve migrants. These crimes range from petty theft and robbery to more serious offenses like gang violence and sexual assaults.
Law enforcement officials say the problem is compounded by the growing presence of organized criminal groups, such as the Venezuelan prison gang Tren de Aragua, which is linked to shootings and other violent crimes in the city.
A law enforcement source revealed that in some instances, migrants are bringing guns into city-run shelters to avoid detection by security measures. This has contributed to a rising crime rate in areas like Elmhurst, where crime is up nearly 22% compared to last year.
Mayor Adams Calls for Changes
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has called for changes to the city’s sanctuary policies. At a New York City Council meeting, Adams supported a conservative group that introduced a bill to change sanctuary policies.
“I think the previous administration made a big mistake. I think we need to correct that aspect of it,” Adams said. “New Yorkers have a right to be safe in their city. The same way anyone breaks the law or does something violent to New Yorkers, I’m going to voice my concern about that.”
Despite Adam’s calls, police officers still can’t coordinate with ICE. The situation has left many New Yorkers, particularly residents and business owners in affected areas, frustrated.