DHS calls for Letitia James to address New York's refusal to comply with ICE detainers

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has urged New York Attorney General Letitia James to intervene regarding the citys management of illegal immigrants. According to DHS, New York City has released 6,947 criminal illegal aliens since January 20, while another 7,000 remain in custody with active ICE detainers.

DHS emphasized that honoring ICE arrest detainers is essential to public safety. We are calling on Attorney General Letitia James to stop this dangerous policy and commit to enforcing ICE detainers, the department wrote on social media platform X.

In response, James' office referred to a previous letter she sent to Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons in September. In that letter, she explained that the Attorney Generals office rarely takes custody of individuals, and that detainer requests are sent to various local police departments and jails across New York, each with its own legal policies and procedures. This results in a range of lawful practices that fall outside the attorney generals authority, the letter stated.

Lyons responded with a new letter on Monday, highlighting specific cases of criminals in New York custody who were later apprehended by ICE. Among them was Steven Daniel Henriquez Galicia, arrested locally for attempted murder and weapons charges before being taken into federal custody in the Bronx. Another case involved Vyacheslav Danilovich Kim, convicted of sexual offenses against minors and later arrested by ICE after local authorities failed to assist. Anderson Smith Satuye-Martinez, a suspected gang member, was released despite an active detainer but was subsequently taken into federal custody.

DHS officials criticized New Yorks sanctuary policies. Attorney General James and other sanctuary advocates in New York are releasing dangerous criminals back into our communities, endangering American lives, said DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. She added that criminal illegal aliens should not be allowed back on the streets while active detainers exist.

McLaughlin also pointed to Governor Kathy Hochul, stating that under her administration, 6,947 criminal illegal aliens have been released since January 20. DHS data indicates these individuals were accused of crimes including 29 homicides, 2,509 assaults, 207 sexual offenses, 199 burglaries, 305 robberies, 392 drug-related offenses, and 300 weapons violations. Currently, 7,113 illegal immigrants with active detainers remain in New York custody, accused of similar offenses.

ICE has faced challenges in Chinatown, New York City, during its crackdown on illegal immigrants. Police reported multiple arrests at recent protests where agitators blocked streets, threw objects at officers, and obstructed ICE vehicles. Videos from the scene showed rioters using trash bins, barricades, and other items to impede law enforcement operations.

The New York Attorney General and Governors offices have yet to provide further public statements on the matter.

Author: Sophia Brooks