A multi-agency federal operation on Canal Street in New York City led to the arrest of nine illegal aliens with extensive criminal records. The operation, which included agents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the FBI, targeted illegal vendors known for selling counterfeit items in the area.
The arrests occurred on Tuesday, with officials highlighting the serious nature of the charges against those apprehended. Among the nine individuals, many have criminal histories that include robbery, domestic violence, and drug trafficking. In a statement, DHS noted that the arrestees had prior encounters with law enforcement on multiple charges, underscoring the operation’s focus on individuals deemed a risk to public safety.
Mamadou Ndoye, originally from Mali, was identified as one of the individuals arrested. According to DHS, Ndoye was issued a final order of removal by an immigration judge in 2008. His criminal record includes serious offenses such as assault, drug trafficking, and resisting arrest.
Another arrestee, Muhammad Ndiaye, from Senegal, has a history of arrests for domestic violence, robbery, and other offenses. He entered the United States on a B2 tourist visa, which he was required to depart in 1995. His repeated legal troubles raise concerns about public safety and immigration enforcement.
Additionally, Bokar Soko, a national from Mauritania, was arrested during this operation. Soko had previously been arrested three times for counterfeiting and had entered the United States illegally on May 24, 2023, as part of a caravan. DHS pointed out that he was released into the interior of the country under the current administration’s policies.
DHS official Tricia McLaughlin emphasized on social media that a significant portion of those arrested had entered the country illegally and were released by the Biden Administration. The operation also involved the arrest of four individuals for assaulting law enforcement during the enforcement actions, illustrating the potential dangers faced by agents during such operations.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) clarified that it was not involved in this federal operation, which aimed to address illegal vending and associated criminal activities in the Canal Street area. This operation reflects ongoing efforts by federal agencies to tackle illegal activities and enforce immigration laws in urban environments.
As this operation unfolds, it highlights the ongoing debate on immigration policies and public safety. The presence of individuals with significant criminal backgrounds raises questions about the effectiveness of current immigration enforcement strategies and the implications for local communities.
