Times Square erupted in violence over the weekend after a group of teenage migrants linked to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua launched a brutal attack on two NYPD officers attempting to stop a robbery in progress.
The confrontation began as police stepped in to intervene in the mugging of two teenagers. The suspects—ranging from ages 12 to 17—quickly turned on the officers, leading to a wild melee in one of the most heavily trafficked areas of New York City.
Several of the attackers are believed to reside at the Row Hotel, a city-run shelter currently housing migrants. One of the most prominent individuals involved was a 12-year-old boy authorities believe is the leader of a youth robbery crew responsible for more than 20 thefts across Central Park in recent months. Due to his age, the child has avoided significant legal consequences despite multiple run-ins with the law.
Charges filed against the group include riot, assault, and weapons possession. Some of the teens had outstanding warrants tied to earlier crimes, raising concerns about law enforcement’s ability to manage repeat juvenile offenders.
This is the second major attack on police in Times Square involving migrant youths within the last year, further intensifying scrutiny on the city’s sanctuary policies and the handling of migrant-related crime. Police officials continue to voice frustration over limitations that prevent closer cooperation with federal agencies when confronting organized gang activity within migrant shelters.
The incident has reignited debate over the balance between welcoming asylum seekers and ensuring public safety in New York’s most iconic districts.