Recent data brings to light a complex picture of New York City's struggle with the presence of migrants with criminal records, including those who are known or suspected gang members, within its sanctuary. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency data, as reported by the New York Post, suggests that out of 759,218 migrants, about 58,626 have criminal records or pending charges. Closely following, ICE's New York Chief Ken Genalo emphasized that these figures, which include nearly 1,053 gang members, are not reflective of just recent arrivals but span across several years.

While Genalo made it clear this estimate dates back through many past seasons, it's been made in the midst of a heated debate surrounding the implications of such numbers for the city's public safety and resource demands. Addressing the concerns, Genalo, in a statement obtained by Shore News Network, explained that the mentioned data encompasses a broader historical context, in contrast to recent trends.

Representative Nicole Malliotakis criticized what she called soft-on-crime and lax border-control policies supported by Democratic politicians. Malliotakis expressed concern over how criminals, including gang members, are allegedly protected by sanctuary city policies. She accused local Democrats of using taxpayer money to support a system she believes prioritizes criminals over public safety.

The recent numbers add to the ongoing debate over New York City's sanctuary city laws and its cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. These laws, introduced by former Mayor Bill de Blasio, limit cooperation with federal authorities seeking to deport migrants with criminal backgrounds. Councilman Robert Holden argued that these laws may compromise the safety of law-abiding citizens. Some politicians, like Holden and Council Minority Leader Joe Borelli, are pushing for changes to repeal sanctuary protections, but their efforts have faced resistance from the city's Council majority.

Mayor Eric Adams has signaled recognition of this issue, suggesting through a spokesperson that while respecting sanctuary laws, there remains a need for serious conversation about those committing violent crimes. The mayoral office insists on revisiting the effectiveness of such policies and deliberating over the nation’s broader border policy strategies.