Federal data reveals that more than 1,000 suspected gang members among illegal migrants are freely roaming the streets of New York City. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported that 1,053 illegal migrants in the city are “suspected or known gang members.”

New York City has been overwhelmed by an influx of more than 223,000 illegal migrants in the past two years. Recent federal estimates indicate that over 759,000 individuals who crossed the border illegally now reside in the city. Among them, 58,626 have either been convicted of crimes or have criminal charges pending.

The brutal Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua has reportedly been active within the city, with members attempting to recruit children in city-run shelters. NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny disclosed that authorities have identified 39 members of the gang, along with four younger recruits from a subgroup called the “Little Devils of 42nd Street.”

Migrants in New York have also made headlines for violent altercations with law enforcement. Earlier this month, two migrants were arrested after scuffling with police, with one carrying a loaded AR-15. While one suspect was released without bail, the other posted bond after being sent to Rikers Island. In February, another migrant was caught on camera giving the middle finger after being released for allegedly attacking officers in Times Square.

The city has scrambled to respond to the crisis, spending $5 billion so far on shelter and services, with projected costs expected to reach $12 billion by next year. Mayor Eric Adams has described the situation as unsustainable, stating, “This issue will destroy New York City.”

Across the nation, ICE estimates nearly 7.8 million illegal migrants are now in the US. President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to address the crisis with plans for a large-scale deportation effort targeting criminal migrants, with “border czar” Tom Homan estimating there are over 1.5 million criminal aliens with orders for removal.