Rumors had been circulating for days before the story hit the headlines—staffers whispering about “missing files,” sheriffs claiming they’d been warned to stay silent, and internal memos circulating with blacked-out sections.
Some insiders in Albany suggested the figures being leaked didn’t tell the whole story, while others hinted at a broader scandal waiting to be exposed. By the time the Department of Homeland Security numbers appeared on air, it was obvious the public was seeing only the tip of a much deeper dispute simmering for months.
Letitia James Under Fire in Major Controversy – Just When She Thought She’d Escaped Scrutiny
According to recently highlighted DHS data, New York authorities have reportedly released nearly 7,000 undocumented immigrants from county jails despite active detainer requests from ICE.
The DHS figures indicate that 6,947 individuals were freed after facing accusations or convictions for a wide range of offenses. These releases reportedly include suspects linked to 29 homicides, more than 2,500 assault cases, close to 200 burglaries, over 300 robberies, and numerous charges related to drugs, weapons, and s*xual offenses.
During a Fox News interview with Kayleigh McEnany, Rep. Claudia Tenney of New York voiced strong concerns about the situation, highlighting mounting tensions between state officials and federal immigration authorities.
Tenney claimed that New York Attorney General Letitia James is aware of these releases but has focused her investigations on sheriffs cooperating with ICE instead. She suggested that James is targeting law-enforcement agencies participating in federal immigration programs rather than addressing the broader problem.
The New York Post reports that James’ office has opened criminal probes into Oswego County Sheriff Don Hilton and the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office, citing their compliance with ICE detainer requests.
McEnany expressed shock, questioning why individuals flagged by federal immigration authorities were being released into communities statewide.
Tenney responded by noting New York’s sanctuary-state policies, with Democrats controlling the governor’s office and both legislative chambers. She warned that the incoming city leadership in January is expected to maintain or expand these policies.
The congresswoman argued that New York routinely releases individuals with serious criminal records, including those accused of homicide, s*xual offenses, and extortion. She added that the attorney general’s actions are undermining the federal 287(g) program, which allows local police to coordinate directly with ICE.
Tenney also raised security concerns along the northern border with Canada, claiming that individuals on the foreign terror watch list have crossed under the current administration. She linked these incidents to a broader warning that sanctuary policies may inadvertently provide safe havens for dangerous offenders.
Meanwhile, ICE Director Todd Lyons has formally requested that Attorney General James honor detainer requests. DHS and ICE report that New York’s continued noncompliance has already led to thousands of releases, noting that over 7,100 individuals in state and local custody still have active detainers for serious crimes.
Conclusion
As federal pressure mounts, New York’s release of criminal noncitizens has become a lightning rod for political debate. Critics argue that sanctuary policies and the attorney general’s choices put communities at risk, while supporters maintain that the controversy is being exploited for partisan purposes. With thousands more detainees awaiting resolution and both federal and state authorities digging in, the standoff shows no sign of letting up—and may soon escalate into a high-stakes legal and political confrontation.