New federal data reports over 1,000 suspected migrant gang members are active in New York City. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) identified 1,053 individuals in the city as “suspected or known gang members,” raising alarms about safety and accountability.
The surge in illegal migration has overwhelmed New York City, with over 223,000 new arrivals in the past two years. Federal authorities report that 759,000 illegal migrants are currently residing in the city, of whom 58,626 have criminal convictions or pending charges.
Among the most concerning developments is the activity of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. The NYPD has identified 39 members of the gang, alongside four younger recruits in a subgroup called the “Little Devils of 42nd Street.” These groups have been linked to recruitment efforts within city-run shelters.
Recent incidents involving migrants and law enforcement have further highlighted the growing tension. This month, two migrants were arrested after a scuffle with police—one carrying a loaded AR-15. One suspect was released without bail, while the other posted bond after being held at Rikers Island.
Mayor Eric Adams has repeatedly called the crisis an “emergency,” warning that the city’s resources are stretched thin. The migrant surge has cost the city $5 billion so far, with projections suggesting it could rise to $12 billion by next September.
Nationally, ICE estimates nearly 7.8 million illegal migrants are in the country. President-elect Donald Trump’s administration is preparing for a large-scale deportation effort to address the issue. “There are over 1.5 million convicted criminal aliens in this country with orders for removal,” Trump’s appointed “border czar” Tom Homan stated.
