DHS announced the arrest of an illegal immigrant gang member by ICE after he was released by New York City authorities despite posing a danger to public safety. The case highlights tensions between sanctuary policies and federal immigration enforcement, with DHS criticizing the city's actions and pointing to the potential public safety risks of releasing individuals with criminal records.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Friday the arrest of Bryan David Tasiguano Leon, an Ecuadorian citizen and alleged Latin Kings gang member, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( ICE ) agents in New York City . The arrest followed Leon's release by New York City authorities, despite ICE having lodged a detainer requesting his transfer to federal custody.
DHS stated that Leon posed a danger to public safety, and his release by the city authorities was a direct violation of ICE's detainer. Leon was initially arrested by the New York Police Department on February 14th on suspicion of assaulting a first responder. His prior record also included an arrest for assault and family neglect, further raising concerns about his potential threat to the community. Leon had illegally entered the United States around November 11, 2022, through the southern border and was subsequently released into the country by the Biden administration. A judge issued a final order of removal on February 27, 2025. This case highlights the ongoing tension between local sanctuary policies and federal immigration enforcement, with DHS criticizing New York City's stance on cooperating with ICE. \Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis of DHS specifically targeted New York's sanctuary policies, stating that they put lives at risk. Bis criticized the city's decision to release Leon, a known gang member with a history of violence. She emphasized that sanctuary policies allow dangerous individuals to remain in communities, perpetrating further crimes. The DHS statement also referenced a growing number of illegal immigrants in custody across New York State with active ICE detainers. These individuals are reportedly charged with various serious crimes. According to DHS, there are currently 7,113 illegal immigrants in custody across New York state with an active ICE detainer. Their crimes include 148 homicides, 717 assaults, 134 burglaries, 106 robberies, 235 dangerous drug offenses, 152 weapons offenses, and 260 sexual predatory offenses, DHS said. This information aims to underscore the potential public safety implications of releasing individuals with a history of criminal activity. In January, New York Mayor Zorhan Mamdani signed an executive order reaffirming the city's sanctuary laws, which limit cooperation between local and federal authorities on immigration enforcement. The Fox News Digital reached out to Mamdani's office for comment. On Friday, Mamdani said ICE should be abolished, calling it 'rogue' and 'reckless' as he faced questions about the death of an 83-year-old Air Force veteran who died after allegedly being shoved onto subway tracks by an illegal immigrant earlier this month. \The case of Bryan David Tasiguano Leon has become a focal point in the broader debate over immigration enforcement and sanctuary city policies. ICE agents arrested Leon on March 4th during immigration enforcement operations in New York City. He is currently in ICE custody pending deportation proceedings. The DHS’s criticism of New York City’s decision to release Leon comes amid the Biden administration’s handling of border security and immigration policies. The incident underscores the complexities and challenges of enforcing immigration laws in jurisdictions with differing approaches to cooperation with federal authorities. Bis criticized the city's decision to release Leon, a known gang member with a history of violence. She emphasized that sanctuary policies allow dangerous individuals to remain in communities, perpetrating further crimes. The DHS statement also referenced a growing number of illegal immigrants in custody across New York State with active ICE detainers. These individuals are reportedly charged with various serious crimes
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