In the bustling neighborhoods of New York City, a wave of immigration raids by federal agents targeting individuals with outstanding warrants for violent crimes has garnered significant attention. Many residents in Hispanic and Black communities have expressed their support for these actions, which have led to the arrest of suspected gang members and criminals, including an alleged leader of the notorious Venezuelan prison gang, Tren de Aragua. The operations began in the Bronx, an area where President Donald Trump experienced a notable 35% increase in support between 2020 and 2024.
Heavily armed federal immigration agents conducted raids in locations linked to individuals suspected of heinous crimes such as murder and kidnapping. One significant arrest was that of Anderson Zambrano-Pacheco, a 25-year-old alleged ringleader of Tren de Aragua, who was apprehended at an apartment on Ogden Avenue. A local resident, visibly relieved, commented on the arrest, saying, “Oh, thank God they got him.” This sentiment was echoed by many in the community, who welcomed the law enforcement crackdown as a necessary step for public safety.
Evelyn Brown, an 80-year-old Trump supporter from Jamaica, expressed her strong approval of the raids, urging authorities to “Get them the hell off the street!” She passionately added, “Take the damn bad ones away!” Her views reflect the growing call for action against violent offenders, especially in areas where Trump’s support has increased significantly, such as Washington Heights, where it grew by 5% in 2024.
In Washington Heights, a resident of the Knickerbocker apartment complex shared mixed feelings about the raids. While he acknowledged the necessity of removing dangerous individuals from the streets, he also expressed concern for law-abiding migrant families who might be inadvertently affected. “Too many people came over the border at once, and now it has to be a whole operation,” he noted, highlighting the complexities of immigration enforcement.
In Queens, where Trump’s support rose by 10.5% from 2020 to 2024, many residents backed the raids but hoped that innocent migrants would not be caught in the crossfire. Jason Rodriguez, a forklift driver and security camera installer, voiced his support for the removal of violent criminals like the Tren de Aragua gang members. He acknowledged, however, that the operation has instilled fear among hardworking, undocumented migrants.
Rodriguez, who was born in Brooklyn to Dominican immigrant parents, emphasized the difference between criminals and those who contribute positively to society. “There are a lot of undocumented, hardworking people busting their ass doing 14- and 16-hour days to support their families,” he said, underscoring the need for a nuanced approach to immigration enforcement.
Damso Vargas, an electrical engineer from Elmhurst who immigrated from the Dominican Republic in 2001, shared his thoughts on the influx of illegal immigrants under President Joe Biden. He stressed the importance of vetting and removing the criminal element, stating, “If you come to this country, you need to show respect and work hard.” Vargas reminisced about a safer Queens in 2010, lamenting the rise in crime following the mass migration influx.
Dolphin Chung, a Peruvian green-card holder who sells jewelry in Jackson Heights, echoed similar sentiments. While he supported the deportation of criminals, he expressed reservations about mass deportations, acknowledging the hard work of many undocumented migrants in his community.
On Staten Island, a Republican stronghold in New York City, Trump celebrated another victory in the 2024 election. Kevin Morales, a construction worker, emphasized the need to distinguish between migrants contributing positively and those engaged in criminal activities. “Listen, there’s too many people here that aren’t looking to make a better life for themselves,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of targeted immigration policies.
As Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts intensify, many New Yorkers in traditionally Democratic neighborhoods have voiced support for targeted ICE operations against violent criminals. The focus on gang members and individuals with outstanding warrants has resonated with residents concerned about public safety.
While some fear that these operations might lead to broader deportation sweeps, the consensus among many is that action must be taken against those who pose a threat to community safety. The impact of these operations is already being felt in neighborhoods where crime rates have surged in recent years.
Despite the complexities of immigration enforcement, the emphasis on removing violent offenders and criminal elements has drawn approval from various corners of the city. Residents hope that these actions will lead to safer communities and a more secure environment for all.
As ICE continues its operations across New York City, the implications of Trump’s immigration policy shift remain a topic of discussion among residents. The focus on criminal deportations has sparked a broader conversation about the role of immigration enforcement in maintaining public safety.
The ongoing debate highlights the challenges faced by communities grappling with the effects of mass migration and the need for thoughtful, targeted approaches to immigration policy. While the raids have drawn support, the broader implications for law-abiding migrants remain a concern for many.
Residents continue to call for a balanced approach that prioritizes public safety while ensuring that innocent families are not unjustly affected. As the situation unfolds, the dialogue surrounding immigration enforcement and community safety is likely to persist.
Ultimately, the actions taken in these raids underscore the complexities and nuances of immigration policy in a diverse and dynamic city like New York. The balance between law enforcement and community support will be crucial in shaping the future of immigration policy in the years to come.
God bless all involved and so good that many New Yorker’s are awakening to the savage lies that have been perpetrated upon a good people there!
awesome .. out with the trash.
Hallelujah and amen. Go get ’em girl America is rooting for you.
Absolutely and our prayers are with you in Jesus’ name!
bravo ..
Now that those illegal-alien dirt-bags have been arrested, swiftly execute.
If you put them in prison, some Leftist judge will release them back onto the streets.
If you deport them, they will find a way to sneak back in.
By publicly executing illegal-alien-invades, you just might put the fear of god in those border jumpers so that they won’t try to come back.
Do it for the sake of those women, teens and children that have yet to be raped and murdered.