Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced that federal authorities arrested over 2,100 individuals in New York during a 30-day operation focused on public safety threats, using the press conference to criticize Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for allegedly obstructing immigration enforcement.
Operation Rotten Apple was launched, according to Mullin, because of what he described as the city's refusal to cooperate with federal law enforcement. He specifically cited an attempted $22 million cut to the NYPD budget and the termination of 287(g) agreements that allow local police departments to coordinate with federal immigration agents.
What the Right Is Saying
Mullin argued that New York's sanctuary policies have allowed dangerous individuals to remain on the streets. He highlighted specific cases including a 39-year-old Indian national with an INTERPOL red notice for an alleged rape in Germany and a 50-year-old Ukrainian citizen with convictions for kidnapping, abduction, weapon possession, and murder.
"These individuals should never have been on our streets," Mullin said at the press conference. "While radical-left sanctuary states protect illegal immigrants, the Trump administration and ICE officers are out there every day protecting Americans."
The secretary claimed that New York politicians have successfully lobbied for the release of over 13,000 undocumented immigrants from federal custody, a figure that could not be independently verified. He cited public polling suggesting 80% support for restoring law and order across party lines and noted that seven of the safest cities in the country participate in the 287(g) cooperation program.
Mullin stated the federal government stands ready to deploy additional personnel to New York and other jurisdictions where leadership refuses to cooperate with immigration enforcement. "Because local leadership refuses to cooperate through the 287(g) program, we will send as many personnel as necessary," he said. He thanked sheriffs who have challenged state sanctuary laws in court.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive critics of the operation argue that sanctuary policies exist to protect immigrant communities from discrimination and ensure cooperation between law enforcement and vulnerable populations who might otherwise fear reporting crimes. Supporters note that Mayor Mamdani has stated his position that ICE raids are 'cruel, inhumane, and do nothing to protect public safety,' arguing that mass deportation operations can undermine community trust in government institutions.
Civil liberties organizations have raised concerns about due process rights for those arrested without warrants or proper judicial review. Immigration advocates contend that operations targeting undocumented immigrants regardless of criminal history can ensnare individuals with no serious offenses, creating fear within immigrant communities and potentially deterring cooperation with local police investigations.
Democratic lawmakers in New York have defended the state's approach as consistent with constitutional principles, arguing that federal immigration enforcement should not supersede state authority over local law enforcement priorities. The Hochul administration has previously stated it would remain defiant against federal pressure regarding sanctuary policies, with the governor telling critics 'bring it on' when sheriffs sued over laws limiting cooperation with ICE.
What the Numbers Show
Operation Rotten Apple resulted in over 2,100 arrests across New York State within a 30-day period, according to DHS figures. The operation specifically targeted individuals considered public safety threats with criminal histories.
Mullin cited that attempted $22 million reduction to NYPD funding as evidence of the city's priorities under current leadership. He also pointed to Hochul's termination of 287(g) agreements as a barrier to cooperation between state and federal law enforcement.
The seven cities Mullin identified as participating in 287(g) programs were not specified, but he argued these municipalities demonstrate that public safety and immigration cooperation are compatible objectives. The claim regarding 80% public support for restoring law and order was presented without citing a specific poll or methodology.
Fox News Digital contacted the offices of Hochul, Mamdani, DHS, and ICE for further comment on the operation and Mullin's criticism.
The Bottom Line
The announcement highlights ongoing tensions between federal immigration authorities and Democratic-led states and cities that maintain sanctuary policies limiting cooperation with ICE. Operation Rotten Apple represents an escalation in enforcement activity that the Trump administration has promised to expand nationwide.
Several legal battles over sanctuary policies remain active, including lawsuits from New York sheriffs challenging state laws restricting local coordination with federal agents. The 287(g) program allows local police to perform immigration functions under federal supervision, and its termination by Hochul removes one avenue for cooperation that Mullin argued had proven effective in other jurisdictions.
The White House has indicated it will continue deploying additional ICE personnel to cities deemed uncooperative with federal enforcement priorities. Immigration advocates are expected to monitor the operations for compliance with constitutional protections regarding due process and warrantless arrests.