Over 1,000 suspected migrant gang members are active in New York City, according to federal data. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reports that 1,053 illegal migrants in the city are tied to gang activity, compounding the city’s struggles with a massive migrant influx.
The migrant population in New York has surged by more than 223,000 in the past two years, with a total of 759,000 illegal migrants residing in the city. Of these, 58,626 have been convicted of crimes or face pending charges, according to ICE.
Gang activity among migrants is a growing issue. The Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua has reportedly been recruiting children in shelters, with the NYPD identifying 39 members and a subgroup called the “Little Devils of 42nd Street.”
Migrants have also been involved in violent encounters with law enforcement. In one recent case, two migrants were arrested after a clash with police, with one found carrying a loaded AR-15. Another migrant accused of attacking officers in Times Square was released and mocked cameras upon his release.
Mayor Eric Adams has repeatedly warned about the crisis, stating, “This issue will destroy New York City.” The city has spent $5 billion so far and expects to spend $12 billion by next year. Emergency measures include opening shelters and limiting migrants’ access to free housing.
Across the US, ICE estimates nearly 7.8 million illegal migrants are present. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to address the crisis with a nationwide deportation plan targeting criminal migrants. His “border czar,” Tom Homan, claims there are “over 1.5 million convicted criminal aliens with orders for removal” awaiting action.
