In a week-long enforcement blitz across New York City and surrounding areas, federal immigration officers arrested 206 individuals in the country illegally—more than half of whom had serious criminal histories or pending charges.
The operation targeted neighborhoods in the five boroughs, Long Island, and the Lower Hudson Valley. Among those detained were individuals tied to violent street gangs, including MS-13, Sureños, and the Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan criminal network gaining notoriety in the U.S.
One high-profile arrest involved a 22-year-old woman allegedly affiliated with Tren de Aragua, who was taken into custody in the Bronx. She had previously been arrested in a raid on a building suspected of gang activity but was released due to local policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Charges among those apprehended ranged from murder and assault to rape and crimes against children. Immigration officials said the operation prioritized individuals who posed a significant threat to public safety.
Officials also noted frustration with sanctuary policies that they say hinder efforts to detain and remove repeat offenders. This sweep follows similar crackdowns in recent weeks as authorities continue to focus on criminal non-citizens with violent backgrounds.