Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem took part in a joint operation with federal agents in New York City to announce the apprehension of immigrants facing criminal allegations, featuring a man linked to kidnapping incidents. This individual was recorded on a noteworthy video entering an apartment in Colorado with suspected gang members, drawing significant attention online.
Noem’s appearance marks her as one of the many prominent figures from the Trump administration emphasizing the intensified immigration enforcement efforts under President Donald Trump. Just days prior, Border Czar Tom Homan and acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove were present in Chicago, where federal arrests were also being made.
After the arrests, Noem expressed her gratitude on social media platform X, stating, “Arresting some criminal aliens this morning in NYC — thank you to the brave officers involved.” She highlighted the detention of a suspect with serious charges, mentioning ICE’s contribution. “Dirtbags like this will continue to be removed from our streets,” she added.
Among those arrested in the Bronx was Anderson Zambrano-Pacheco, aged 26. Authorities allege he was part of a group connected to the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, which was filmed entering a Colorado apartment last summer. The charges against him were brought by local Colorado authorities, and his legal future remains uncertain. Two other individuals linked to the video were apprehended in New York in November and are currently held by ICE.
The incident became a topic of interest during Trump’s presidential campaign, prompting what he termed “Operation Aurora” that aimed to tackle migrant gang activities. Trump claimed that the gang had taken over the Denver suburb based on the video, a statement that local officials contested.
An arrest warrant from Aurora police revealed Zambrano-Pacheco is also wanted in a kidnapping case involving armed assailants taking two individuals hostage in late June. Additionally, he was reportedly present with armed individuals during a shooting incident that occurred shortly after the apartment recording.
It remains unclear whether he has legal representation or if he is a Tren de Aragua gang member. Investigations involving local and federal authorities, including Aurora police and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, have been ongoing since Biden’s presidency began, focusing on the video evidence from the apartment incident.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul indicated that Tuesday’s arrests seemed targeted rather than part of an extensive operation, emphasizing that ICE raids have historically taken place in New York. “This is not a new dynamic,” she stated, underlining the continuity of enforcement practices.
Zambrano-Pacheco is the fifth person arrested concerning the Aurora apartment event, highlighted in a video showing armed individuals, some identified by federal authorities as Tren de Aragua members, entering shortly before a deadly shooting outside.
In Chicago, criticism emerged following the recent high-profile enforcement operations. Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed concerns about the decision to have daytime television psychologist “Dr. Phil” McGraw broadcast immigrant arrests alongside Homan, calling the effort to sensationalize fear “unconscionable and abhorrent.” He added, “We’re talking about people’s lives.” Johnson defended Chicago’s longstanding sanctuary city status and its protections against federal immigration cooperation.
ICE has provided limited information regarding the operations in Chicago, including the total number of arrests made. Chicago police, while communicating with federal agents, did not participate in or cooperate with the operations; estimates suggest around 100 individuals were taken into custody.
Furthermore, authorities confirmed that none of the 41 individuals detained during a Colorado raid would face drug or gun charges, as those gathered had discarded their belongings prior to agents’ arrival, complicating any potential connections to specific individuals. The drugs found were deemed personal-use amounts, according to a Drug Enforcement Administration representative.
In the Bronx, no response was received from the residence linked to Zambrano-Pacheco’s arrest. Richard Egu, a correction officer residing in the building, remarked on being awakened by the early morning disturbance but chose not to intervene. He expressed understanding for the need to apprehend criminals in the country illegally yet voiced concerns about the broader implications of such enforcement measures on the community. Egu remarked, “You need to give immigrants a chance. Don’t just judge all immigrants as criminals.”
