New York, NY—Today, Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials held a press conference to announce the “success” of Operation Rotten Apple, which they claim resulted in over 2,100 arrests of immigrants in New York.
Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition:
“Unsurprisingly, Secretary Mullin provided fact-free remarks today that ranged from outright fabrications to exaggerated claims designed to undermine the well-documented research that clearly shows that sanctuary cities and states increase public safety. Mullin specifically used this press conference to target and deride NYS Governor Hochul for ending 287(g) agreements in NYS, and attack Mayor Mamdani and our ‘socialist city.’ He also complained about the ‘intimidation’ faced by armed ICE agents from community members who simply use their voices to lawfully protest the agency’s tactics and stand with their immigrant neighbors. As the Trump administration continues to face enormous public resistance to ICE’s violent tactics, this press offensive seemed to serve only as a platform for their litany of grievances and for self-aggrandizement. This is a desperate attempt by a desperate administration to sway public opinion, undermine our local laws, and disparage our elected officials. New Yorkers can see through the lies and will not be conned so easily.”