NYC residents praise ICE raids after violent gang member captured
Immigration officials have been working diligently this week to remove criminal illegal migrants from the streets of New York City, a move that has been met with widespread support from residents who believe it will make the city a safer place to live.
Among those apprehended in the raids was Anderson Zambrano-Pacheco, a member of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. Zambrano-Pacheco, 26, was wanted by police in Aurora, Colorado, for first-degree burglary and menacing with a firearm in connection with a violent incident that occurred on Aug. 18. He and five other armed men are accused of breaking into an apartment at gunpoint.
Zambrano-Pacheco was picked up by Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations officers in the Bronx. The raids took place in various parts of the Bronx and Queens, following an increase in support for President Donald Trump throughout the city in 2024.
Residents of New York City have expressed relief and gratitude for the removal of these criminal elements from their neighborhoods. One resident mentioned that the individuals targeted by the raids were engaging in illegal activities and causing fear among the community. Another resident, an 80-year-old woman originally from Jamaica, emphasized the importance of removing these criminals to ensure the safety of the city’s residents.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who was present during the raids, emphasized that the operations specifically targeted violent criminals. She called for the city’s sanctuary city laws to be lifted to allow for better cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities.
Local activists and politicians, including members of the Bronx County Conservative Party and the Queens community, have welcomed the raids as a step towards creating safer communities. U.S. Rep Nicole Malliotakis praised the Trump administration for taking swift action to remove dangerous foreign criminals and gangs from the streets of New York City.
However, not everyone supported the crackdown. New York City Council Member Alhea Athens expressed concerns about the impact of the raids on families and human rights. New York Attorney General Letitia James also issued a warning to state and local law enforcement to ensure that state sanctuary policies are not violated during the operations.
Overall, the removal of criminal illegal migrants from the streets of New York City has been met with mixed reactions. While some residents and officials support the raids as a necessary step to improve public safety, others have raised concerns about the methods used and the potential impact on the community. The ongoing monitoring of the situation by state and local authorities will be crucial in ensuring that the rights of all individuals are respected during these operations.
