The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the successful conclusion of Operation Rotten Apple, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) initiative that led to the arrest of 2,197 illegal aliens across New York State between July 27 and August 29.
Secretary Markwayne Mullin held a press conference in New York City, highlighting that those arrested included individuals with criminal histories such as murder, rape, pedophilia, drug trafficking, and violent assault. Mullin said the operation succeeded in making the Empire State safer, despite what he called a lack of cooperation from New York City Mayor Mamdani and Governor Hochul.
Border Czar Tom Homan emphasized that Operation Rotten Apple removed dangerous criminal illegal aliens from New York streets, attributing ICE's efforts to a significant decrease in violent crime. He criticized Democratic politicians in New York for allegedly releasing criminals instead of allowing immigration law enforcement access to jails.
ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) New York City Field Office Director Kenneth Genalo stated that the operation was