New York state has reportedly released nearly 7,000 undocumented immigrants from local jails despite active detainer requests from Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to data referenced by the Department of Homeland Security.
DHS figures indicate that 6,947 individuals were released after being charged with or convicted of a wide range of offenses. These include 29 homicides, more than 2,500 assaults, nearly 200 burglaries, over 300 robberies, and hundreds of drug, weapons, and sexual-offense cases.
Rep. Claudia Tenney of New York discussed the matter during an appearance on Fox News with host Kayleigh McEnany, calling the situation alarming and pointing to growing tensions between state officials and federal immigration authorities.
Tenney also claimed that New York Attorney General Letitia James is aware of the releases and has chosen instead to focus on investigating sheriffs who have cooperated with ICE. She argued that James is targeting local law-enforcement agencies participating in federal immigration programs.
According to the New York Post, James’ office has launched criminal inquiries into Oswego County Sheriff Don Hilton as well as the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office over allegations connected to their cooperation with ICE.
McEnany expressed disbelief during the interview, questioning why individuals flagged by immigration authorities were being released back into communities across the state.
Tenney responded by reiterating that New York remains a sanctuary state, noting that Democrats control both the legislature and the governorship. She warned that new city leadership taking office in January is likely to maintain or expand sanctuary policies.
The congresswoman argued that the state is routinely releasing individuals with extensive criminal histories, including charges involving homicide, sexual abuse, and extortion. She added that the attorney general is working against the federal 287(g) program, which allows local police to coordinate with ICE.
Tenney also highlighted concerns about security along the northern border with Canada, claiming that a significant share of individuals on the foreign terror watch list have entered through that region under the Biden administration. She connected this to her broader warning about sanctuary policies creating safe havens.
Meanwhile, ICE Director Todd Lyons has formally urged Attorney General James to begin honoring detainer requests. ICE and DHS say New York’s refusal to comply has resulted in thousands of releases, and they warn that more than 7,100 individuals currently in state and local custody still have active detainers for serious crimes.