‘Operation Rotten Apple’ targets immigrants with criminal records, federal officials say; intensifying clash over New York’s sanctuary policies
Salman J. Choudhury:
— U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested 2,197 people across New York State during a 30-day enforcement operation, federal officials announced Tuesday, escalating an already intense national debate over immigration enforcement and New York’s sanctuary policies.
The operation, dubbed “Operation Rotten Apple,” was conducted from July 27 through August 29, 2026, across New York City and other parts of the state.
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the operation focused heavily on immigrants with criminal histories and individuals who were considered enforcement priorities by federal immigration authorities.
More Than 2,000 Arrests Across the State
According to federal officials, the operation resulted in 2,197 arrests. Authorities highlighted cases involving individuals accused or convicted of serious offenses, including homicide, rape, kidnapping, weapons violations, drug-related crimes and offenses against children.
Federal officials presented the arrests as evidence of an aggressive effort to locate and remove individuals they say pose a threat to public safety.
However, immigration advocates and some New York officials have raised concerns about the broader impact of increased immigration enforcement, particularly on immigrant families and communities.
Federal Government Criticizes Sanctuary Policies
During the announcement, federal officials sharply criticized New York’s sanctuary policies, arguing that restrictions on cooperation between local authorities and federal immigration officials can make it more difficult for ICE to take custody of certain individuals.
Federal officials have also accused local jurisdictions of releasing individuals despite ICE detainer requests.
Supporters of sanctuary policies, however, argue that local police departments should focus on community safety rather than acting as federal immigration agents. They say cooperation between local police and immigration authorities could discourage immigrants from reporting crimes or cooperating with law enforcement.
Mamdani and Hochul Face Federal Pressure
The latest enforcement operation has intensified the political confrontation between the federal government and New York leaders, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul.
Federal officials have criticized the policies of New York leaders who oppose expanded cooperation between local law enforcement agencies and ICE.
New York officials and immigrant-rights advocates have maintained that public safety and due process must remain central to any immigration enforcement strategy.
287(g) Agreements at the Center of Dispute
The growing dispute also involves 287(g) agreements, which can allow participating state and local law enforcement agencies to perform certain immigration enforcement functions under federal supervision.
The federal government has pushed for broader cooperation with local law enforcement agencies, while New York policymakers have sought to restrict or prevent expanded participation in such programs.
The disagreement has created a broader legal and political battle over how much authority local law enforcement agencies should have in federal immigration matters.
Growing Concern Among Immigrant Communities
The intensified ICE activity has generated concern among immigrant communities throughout New York.
Families with members who have unresolved immigration cases or uncertain legal status are particularly concerned about possible arrests, detention and family separation.
Immigrant advocates emphasize that individuals facing immigration enforcement should have access to legal representation and due-process protections.
Federal officials, meanwhile, argue that immigration laws must be enforced and that individuals with serious criminal records should remain a priority for removal proceedings.
Enforcement Expected to Continue
The latest operation suggests that federal immigration enforcement in New York is likely to remain a major issue in the months ahead.
The arrest of 2,197 people in just 30 days represents a significant expansion of federal enforcement activity across the state and is likely to further intensify the debate over immigration, public safety and the role of local government.
For New York’s immigrant communities, the developments have created a new level of uncertainty. For federal authorities, the operation represents a commitment to aggressive enforcement against individuals they identify as criminal or immigration priorities.
The political and legal battle between federal immigration authorities and New York’s sanctuary jurisdictions is expected to continue, with the balance between public safety, immigration enforcement, local authority and due process remaining at the center of the debate.
