DHS Criticism of NYC Officials Over Sanctuary Policy
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has taken aim at New York Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani regarding their “sanctuary” policy. They are urging the officials to honor detainers for illegal immigrants who are convicted of serious crimes, including a recent case involving a man found guilty of a particularly heinous act.
Felix Geronimo Rojas, 44, received a five-year prison sentence for sexually assaulting Jorge Gonzalez, a deceased 37-year-old, on the subway. Reports indicate that Rojas committed the act after Gonzalez was found dead, and he later admitted to these charges.
“This sick man robbed and raped a man’s corpse on the New York City subway,” commented Lauren Biss, DHS’ acting assistant secretary for public affairs. She emphasized the need for cooperation from local officials to prevent criminals like Rojas from returning to the community after serving their sentences.
According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, Gonzalez boarded an R train on April 8, 2025, around 7:52 p.m. Rojas reportedly stayed in the same area for several hours and was found unconscious before he, minutes later, assaulted the unresponsive Gonzalez.
DHS has reportedly sought to designate Rojas as an immigration enforcement priority. They continue to ask that New York state and city acknowledge his status after his sentence is complete.
Both Hochul and Mamdani’s offices were contacted for further comments on this issue. Hochul oversees state legislation that restricts cooperation with federal immigration authorities, while Mamdani manages how city agencies like the NYPD follow the sanctuary policy.
DHS also stated that New York state released nearly 7,000 illegal immigrants convicted of crimes within a specific timeframe last year. Rojas had previously entered the U.S. illegally multiple times before returning to Mexico voluntarily until his most recent unauthorized entry, the details of which remain unclear.
About three weeks post-crime, Rojas turned himself in to the police, admitting to being present at the scene but denying any acts of rape or robbery, despite being captured on surveillance footage.
At his sentencing, Rojas did not make a statement and accepted a plea deal that involves five years in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release.
Gonzalez, the victim, had moved to the United States around two decades ago to support his family back in Mexico. His wife, Teresa, described him not merely as a victim but as a dedicated father who worked various jobs—construction, kitchen work, waiting tables—anything to provide for his loved ones. “He cared deeply for family,” she shared, reflecting on their separation of six years.
