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Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin detailed the arrest of thousands of individuals in New York considered to be public safety threats during a press conference Tuesday announcing the success of the federal Operation Rotten Apple.
During the announcement, Mullin blasted New York's leadership, including Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City's democratic socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani, for working against law enforcement.
"Operation Rotten Apple was initiated because New York City has a liberal, socialist mayor who, instead of working with law enforcement, tried to cut NYPD's budget by $22 million and refused to cooperate with federal law enforcement. You also have a governor who refuses to work with us. Over the last 30 days, Operation Rotten Apple has taken over 2,100 of the worst criminals off our streets statewide," Mullin said.
ICE MAKES NATIONWIDE ARRESTS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, MURDERERS, PEDOPHILES IN HOLIDAY BLITZ
Mullin specifically cited the cases of three foreign nationals, each with violent criminal histories.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services New York field office on Sept. 1, 2026, in New York City, N.Y. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
One arrestee was a 39year-old Indian national with an International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) red notice out on him for an alleged rape he was charged with in Germany, Mullin relayed.
Another, a 50-year-old Ukrainian citizen, has a lengthy criminal history that includes convictions for kidnapping, abduction, possession of a weapon and murder, Mullin said.
Mullin said the individuals were roaming New York's streets because of the city and state's sanctuary policies.
"These individuals should never have been on our streets. While radical-left sanctuary states protect illegal immigrants, the Trump administration and ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) officers are out there every day protecting Americans," he said.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services New York field office on Sept. 1, 2026, in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
He also claimed New York's Democratic politicians have successfully lobbied for the release of over 13,000 illegal immigrants, while imploring those politicians to cease obstructing DHS and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from doing their jobs.
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"Earlier this summer, the mayor of New York City said he believes ICE raids are 'cruel, inhumane and do nothing to protect public safety.' Are you telling me that taking these arrested individuals off the street is not in the interest of public safety? We took them off the streets to protect New Yorkers, while the mayor refuses to cooperate and attempts to slash NYPD's budget. He is extremely out of touch with what the American people want and what public safety looks like," Mullin added.
Mullin specifically bashed Hochul for terminating 287(g) agreements, which allow local municipalities' police departments to coordinate and work with federal agents.
"Keep in mind that seven of the safest cities in the country cooperate with ICE and the 287(g) program," he said.
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"In private, almost every sheriff and police chief wants to work with us. They took an oath to enforce the law, but radical local politicians prevent them from doing their jobs. I thank the sheriffs who stand up against local political interference on behalf of their constituents. Restoring law and order is an issue supported by 80% of the public across party lines," Mullin continued.
He also revealed that the federal government is willing and able to send more federal agents into New York and other cities where leadership refuses to cooperate with federal law and immigration enforcement.
BORDER CZAR HOMAN VOWS TO 'FLOOD' NEW YORK WITH ICE AGENTS DESPITE HOCHUL'S RESISTANCE
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services New York field office on Sept. 1, 2026, in New York City. (Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)
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"Because local leadership refuses to cooperate through the 287(g) program, we will send as many personnel as necessary to restore law and order. President Trump loves New York and is committed to restoring safety here alongside ICE and DHS," Mullin said.
Fox News Digital contacted the offices of Hochul, Mamdani, DHS and ICE for further comment.
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