The “Little Devils” gang operating in Venezuela, New York, has been arrested over 240 times, yet they continue to return to the streets, according to New York Police Advisor Jason Savino.
During a press conference, Savino mentioned that law enforcement had apprehended 37 members of Los Diablos de 42, which translates to “the little devils on 42nd Avenue.”
“We’ve booked these 37 individuals more than 240 times collectively,” Savino stated, adding that it’s quite alarming. “That’s nearly six arrests each,” he noted.
He also highlighted that the gang is increasingly recruiting very young individuals as they navigate the legal system.
“Currently, we’re investigating this structure. There’s a concerning trend of young recruits, some as young as 11, reportedly involved in robberies, with some even as young as eight,” Savino explained.
New York Councilor Vicki Palladino expressed her frustration with the situation, pointing out that many of those arrested are in the country illegally and despite numerous arrests, they continue to be released.
Savino’s remarks came after gang members violently attacked several NYPD officials in broad daylight in Times Square.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tish reported that officers faced “Wolfpack-style robberies,” where they were ambushed using scooters and other makeshift weapons.
Mayor Eric Adams condemned the attacks, stating, “When someone openly assaults a police officer, they are undermining our sense of security, and that is unacceptable.”
Officials believe that the NYPD gang database has been instrumental in quickly identifying gangs responsible for attacking police, allowing for swift identification of many assailants.
However, several council members are joining local immigrant and activist groups in advocating for the abolition of this database, arguing that it should not be misused.
Public Advocate Jumane D. Williams has called for the end of the gang database, labeling it a tool of harassment.
Activist Matthew Brodow further criticized the database, describing it as disproportionately targeting youth of color with minimal evidence of their involvement in crime and calling it a “racist tool.”
