A coordinated operation by multiple federal agencies on Canal Street in New York City resulted in the arrest of nine individuals identified as illegal aliens with extensive criminal records. The operation, which took place on Tuesday, involved the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the FBI.
The arrested individuals have been linked to various criminal activities, including robbery, domestic violence, and drug trafficking. According to the DHS, these individuals had prior encounters with law enforcement on multiple charges.
Details of the Arrests
Specific cases highlight the severity of the individuals’ criminal backgrounds. For instance, Mamadou Ndoye, originally from Mali, was issued a final order of removal by an immigration judge in 2008. His criminal history includes a range of offenses such as assault, drug possession, and counterfeiting. Another arrestee, Muhammad Ndiaye from Senegal, has faced charges for domestic violence, robbery, and drug-related offenses. He entered the United States on a B2 tourist visa that required him to leave the country in 1995.
The operation’s focus on illegal vendors on Canal Street, known for selling counterfeit goods, underscores the ongoing efforts to address issues of crime and illegal immigration in urban areas. Among those arrested was Bokar Soko, who had previously been arrested multiple times for counterfeiting. Soko entered the U.S. illegally on May 24, 2023, as part of a caravan and was subsequently released into the country by the previous administration.
Federal Agency Statements
DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin noted on social media that over half of the individuals apprehended during the Canal Street operation had entered the country illegally and were released under the Biden Administration’s policies. Additionally, four individuals were arrested for assaulting law enforcement, with one further charged with obstruction.
McLaughlin emphasized the administration’s commitment to maintaining public safety, stating, “Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S.” This operation reflects ongoing federal efforts to address illegal immigration and associated crime in major urban centers.
As the situation develops, it remains clear that federal agencies are taking a firm stance on illegal activities connected to immigration, particularly in areas like Canal Street where such issues are prevalent. The outcomes of these arrests may have implications for both local communities and national immigration policy in the future.