Gang Member Arrested After Release by NYC Authorities

The Department of Homeland Security announced on Friday that an undocumented immigrant, linked to gang activity and accused of attacking an emergency responder, was apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. This occurred after New York City released him, despite concerns for public safety.

Brian David Taciguano Leon, an Ecuadorian national, was taken into custody by the New York City Police Department on February 14, suspected of assaulting a first responder. It’s worth noting that he had previous arrests for family neglect and assault.

Despite a request from ICE to hold him for federal transfer, Leon, a member of the Latin Kings, was released from custody, as highlighted by DHS.

Acting Assistant Secretary of State Lauren Biss commented, “New York’s sanctuary politicians opted to free this gang member rather than protect the community. This individual had a history of violence against emergency responders and family.”

Leon was arrested by ICE officers on March 4 during an operation in New York City and is currently in ICE custody awaiting deportation proceedings. He initially entered the United States illegally around November 11, 2022, and was earlier released by the Biden administration, receiving a dismissal order from a judge set for February 27, 2025.

Biss further remarked, “This undocumented individual was not only set free by the current administration but also by local leaders in New York.” She urged, “Sanctuary policies should not allow criminals back into communities where they can offend again.”

Upon taking office, New York Mayor Zohan Mamdani signed an order that reinforced the city’s sanctuary status, minimizing collaboration between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. Recently, when addressing the death of an elderly Air Force veteran, allegedly pushed onto subway tracks by an undocumented immigrant, Mamdani criticized ICE as “unjust” and “reckless,” even suggesting its abolition.

He expressed his view to the President about ICE, stating, “In my opinion, this agency is not benefiting public safety at all.”

Currently, in New York State, there are approximately 7,113 illegal immigrants detained, with various serious offenses reported, including 148 murders, 717 assaults, and numerous drug-related crimes, according to DHS data.