DHS Names Detainees Amid Protests in NYC
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has revealed the identities of several detainees classified as some of the most serious offenders at New York City’s Federal Plaza. This announcement came just a day after the building’s security was heightened in response to a protest.
A group of Democrats and demonstrators, led by New York City Director Bradlander, staged a sit-in on the 10th floor of the Federal Plaza, seeking access to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) offices.
According to sources within ICE, the demonstrators’ attempts to enter the facility required officers to secure doors with locks and zip ties, leading to an increase in security measures.
In a statement, DHS characterized the detainees as “some of the worst offenders,” which was said to include members of the MS-13 gang along with individuals convicted of serious crimes like drug trafficking and weapons possession.
Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for DHS, criticized the actions of the protesting politicians, stating they created unnecessary risks for both DHS staff and detainees. She remarked that Lander had entered the Plaza without notice and had obstructed law enforcement, declaring he wouldn’t leave until detainees were freed.
This situation culminated in 71 arrests, including Lander, two state senators, and several other legislative members, alongside local and federal law enforcement.
McLaughlin underscored the threats posed by detainees, including members of MS-13 and various other violent offenders, insisting that ICE agents put their lives at risk to apprehend individuals committing violent crimes to safeguard American citizens.
Among the six detainees identified by DHS was Vladimir Kuka, an Albanian national who entered the U.S. unlawfully in 2023 after a drug trafficking conviction in Switzerland. He was turned over to ICE by the FBI.
DHS also confirmed the detention of Salvadoran nationals David Abrego Alvarado and Juan Hernandez Saravia. Alvarado had been removed from the U.S. in 2017 but returned illegally, while Saravia faced multiple DUI charges and was previously removed but later returned unlawfully.
Juan Enrique Pena Soriano, a Dominican citizen, and Askar Asranovic Kuutov, a Russian national, were also mentioned among the detainees. Soriano had been arrested for drug possession, while Kuutov overstayed his visa and had a final removal order due to a prior conviction for possessing stolen property.
Mexican national Miguel Ramirez was noted as having illegally entered the United States, facing charges related to consumption restrictions and resisting arrest.
