The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested Bryan David Tasiguano Leon, a Latin Kings gang member and Ecuadorian national, in New York City on March 4 after he was released by local authorities despite an outstanding federal detainer. Leon had been previously arrested by the New York Police Department (NYPD) on February 14 on suspicion of assaulting a first responder.
Release Despite ICE Detainer Draws Federal Criticism
Leon was released by New York City officials even though ICE had lodged a detainer with the NYPD, seeking to transfer him to federal custody. DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis criticized the city’s sanctuary policies, saying the release put the community at risk. She noted Leon had a prior arrest record including assault and family neglect and was issued a final order of removal by an immigration judge on February 27, 2025.
Sanctuary Policies and Local Reactions
Leon entered the United States illegally through the southern border around November 11, 2022, and was released into the country by the Biden administration. After being freed by NYC authorities, he was taken back into ICE custody following the March arrest. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who reaffirmed the city’s sanctuary laws upon taking office in January, called ICE a “rogue agency” and opposed its enforcement efforts, emphasizing a lack of support for public safety.
Broader ICE Detainer Context in New York
DHS reported that over 7,100 illegal immigrants in New York state are currently in custody with active ICE detainers. These detainees have been associated with numerous crimes including 148 homicides, 717 assaults, and hundreds of other violent and property offenses. The federal government has repeatedly criticized sanctuary jurisdictions for limiting cooperation with immigration enforcement.
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