'Operation Rotten Apple': ICE arrests over 2,100 illegal immigrants in New York
The operation lasted 30 days and, according to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, included the arrest of gang members, rapists, murderers and child sex offenders.
A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agent (File photo)
Federal immigration authorities reported on Tuesday of the arrest of more than 2,100 undocumented immigrants in the state of New York as part of an operation called "Operation Rotten Apple," carried out over the past 30 days.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, accompanied by officials from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), presented the results of the operation during a press conference in Lower Manhattan. According to authorities, the arrests took place between July 27 and Aug. 29.
Mullin stated that among those arrested were gang members, rapists, murderers and child sex predators. In statements released by the Department of Homeland Security, the secretary affirmed that the operation had taken more than 2,100 criminals off the streets.
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The official also stated that the operation was carried out without assistance from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdan or New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. Mullin accused both governments of maintaining "sanctuary city" policies that, he argued, hinder cooperation between local and federal authorities.
"Over the last 30 days, Operation Rotten Apple has taken over 2,100 criminals off our streets," Mullin stated.
The secretary added that federal authorities will not allow local sanctuary policies to hinder their immigration operations and called on state and local governments to cooperate with the federal government.
Arrests in Virginia and Maryland
The operation, dubbed "Operation Safe Community–Washington, D.C.," focused primarily suburbs of the nation's capital in both states, although ICE agents also carried out targeted immigration enforcement actions at various locations in Virginia and Maryland.
According to DHS, those arrested included individuals with criminal histories involving convictions for sexual assault, kidnapping, driving under the influence, hit-and-run, identity theft, and robbery. The department also noted that some of those detained had been arrested for murder, attempted murder, and rape.
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