5 minPolitics
DHS secretary announces thousands of arrests in New York operation, blasts local leaders
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced Operation Rotten Apple has resulted in over 2,100 arrests in New York, criticizing Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani for sanctuary policies and refusing to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced Tuesday that a federal operation targeting public safety threats in New York has led to more than 2,100 arrests over the past month, while sharply criticizing state and city leaders for refusing to cooperate with immigration enforcement.
Speaking at a press conference detailing the results of Operation Rotten Apple, Mullin said the arrests removed some of the most dangerous criminals from New York streets. He specifically called out Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, accusing them of obstructing federal law enforcement efforts.
«Operation Rotten Apple was initiated because New York City has a liberal, socialist mayor who, instead of working with law enforcement, tried to cut NYPD's budget by $22 million and refused to cooperate with federal law enforcement. You also have a governor who refuses to work with us. Over the last 30 days, Operation Rotten Apple has taken over 2,100 of the worst criminals off our streets statewide,» Mullin said.
Mullin highlighted three cases among those arrested. One was a 39-year-old Indian national subject to an INTERPOL red notice for an alleged rape charge in Germany. Another was a 50-year-old Ukrainian citizen with a criminal history including convictions for kidnapping, abduction, weapons possession, and murder.
The secretary argued these individuals were able to remain in New York because of the city and state's sanctuary policies, which limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
«These individuals should never have been on our streets. While radical-left sanctuary states protect illegal immigrants, the Trump administration and ICE officers are out there every day protecting Americans,» he said.
Mullin also claimed New York's Democratic politicians have lobbied for the release of over 13,000 illegal immigrants and urged them to stop hindering DHS and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. He referenced Mamdani's earlier statement that ICE raids are «cruel, inhumane and do nothing to protect public safety,» questioning how removing the arrested individuals could be seen as contrary to public safety interests.
«Are you telling me that taking these arrested individuals off the street is not in the interest of public safety? We took them off the streets to protect New Yorkers, while the mayor refuses to cooperate and attempts to slash NYPD's budget. He is extremely out of touch with what the American people want and what public safety looks like,» Mullin added.
The secretary specifically criticized Hochul for terminating 287(g) agreements, which allow local police departments to coordinate with federal agents on immigration enforcement. He noted that seven of the safest cities in the country participate in the 287(g) program.
«In private, almost every sheriff and police chief wants to work with us. They took an oath to enforce the law, but radical local politicians prevent them from doing their jobs. I thank the sheriffs who stand up against local political interference on behalf of their constituents. Restoring law and order is an issue supported by 80% of the public across party lines,» Mullin said.
Mullin said the federal government is prepared to send additional agents into New York and other jurisdictions where local leadership refuses to cooperate with federal enforcement. «Because local leadership refuses to cooperate through the 287(g) program, we will send as many personnel as necessary to restore law and order. President Trump loves New York and is committed to restoring safety here alongside ICE and DHS,» he said.
Fox News Digital contacted the offices of Hochul, Mamdani, DHS, and ICE for comment but did not receive responses at the time of publication.
