Migrants arrested in Bronx drug raid are now in ICE custody
THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) -- Seven Venezuelan migrants are in federal custody and facing deportation proceedings after being repeatedly arrested while in the United States for the past year, according to ICE.
Federal immigration officials moved in and arrested seven Venezuelan migrants Wednesday. One was still outstanding, according to an ICE spokesperson.
All were previously arrested last week by the NYPD.
A 911 call resulted in the discovery of four guns and drugs inside the basement apartment where they had allegedly been squatting.
"When you're a landlord, you have to make sure these things don't happen," complained one neighbor.
After their initial court appearance, six out of eight were released from custody, much to the chagrin of police officials.
"Walked out the door and one of those eight was one we chased into the basement, has open attempted murder in Yonkers," NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell said.
An immigration official told PIX11 News in a statement,
"Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) New York City (NYC) is aware of the recent arrests by NYPD of eight unlawfully present Venezuelan citizens. Today, ERO NYC Fugitive Operations Officers conducted a targeted law enforcement action at 3259 Hull Avenue in the Bronx and apprehended three of those eight noncitizens who are all amenable to removal. ERO-NYC also lodged ICE detainers on four of the remaining noncitizens who are currently being held in local custody."
The NYPD denied any cooperation in the raid.
"No partnership, no coordination with federal agents. We're not allowed by law," said Chief Chell.
New York is a Sanctuary City, meaning local law enforcement doesn't cooperate with deportation efforts.
Police say these migrants are dangerous, and officers used restraint during their initial arrests, as one suspect picked up a loaded gun as cops closed in.
Neighbors said cops have been called to the basement apartment multiple times since their stay.
The landlord was reportedly trying to evict them, but he did not return repeated calls from PIX11 News for comment.