NYPD Arrests Suspected Immigrant Gang Members After Times Square Attack

Suspects Arrested in Times Square Attack

• 🚨 Five young members of a Venezuelan street gang have been arrested in connection with an attack on NYPD officers in Times Square.
• 🎯 The incident occurred last Friday night when officers attempted to intervene in what appeared to be a Wolfpack-style mugging.
• 📱 Three additional suspects are still being sought by the police.

Defiance and Prior Arrest Records

• ⚠️ The youngest suspect is 12 years old, and all arrested individuals have prior arrest records.
• 📸 In a display of defiance, some suspects took pictures of themselves flashing gang symbols while in police custody and posted them to social media.
• ⛓️ Investigators noted the suspects showed no remorse while being held.

Gang Affiliation and Scope

• 🌐 The arrested individuals are believed to be members of a Times Square offshoot of Trenda Aaragua, a violent Venezuelan gang.
• 📈 The gang's 37 alleged members have been arrested a total of 240 times for crimes including robberies in Central Park and on the subway.
• 👥 Victims have reported being surrounded by groups of 13 to 20 individuals, highlighting the intimidating nature of these encounters.

Sanctuary City Laws and ICE Involvement

• 🚫 ICE agents were reportedly turned away when attempting to question the teens at the police precinct, as NYPD does not participate in civil immigration enforcement.
• ⚖️ Immigrant rights advocates express concern that this situation could discourage migrants from seeking police assistance.
• 🏛️ Most of the arrested individuals will be charged in adult court, with the 12-year-old facing charges in family court.
• 📜 Under New York's sanctuary city laws, the suspects will not be deported unless tried and convicted in the city.