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ICE's 'Operation Rotten Apple' arrests 2,197 across New York, mostly without criminal records

Sep 1, 2026·Location: New York, NY

ICE's 'Operation Rotten Apple' arrests 2,197 across New York, mostly without criminal records
Photo via latintimes.com

ICE conducted 'Operation Rotten Apple,' a five-week enforcement operation across New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, upstate counties and the North Country from July 27 to August 29, 2026, resulting in 2,197 arrests. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin announced the results on September 1, saying those detained included people convicted of murder, rape, kidnapping, drug trafficking and child sexual assault, from countries including Ukraine, Colombia, India, Mexico, Venezuela, Cambodia, the Dominican Republic, Sierra Leone, Honduras and Vietnam, though officials did not release a full case-by-case breakdown. Officials blamed New York's sanctuary policies, including Gov. Kathy Hochul's ending of local 287(g) agreements with ICE, claiming this led to the release of over 13,000 people with criminal records from local jails despite ICE detainer requests. Independent data from the Deportation Data Project, TRAC, and a prior New York Times analysis found most of those arrested had no criminal record, with legal aid attorneys saying street-level arrests disproportionately affected Latino neighborhoods like Corona, Jackson Heights and Sunset Park. In the North Country, agents detained dozens of immigrant workers, including hotel employees, roofing contractors and restaurant workers in Lake Placid, straining local hospitality businesses, and a pending class-action lawsuit alleges agents are profiling Black and Brown New Yorkers.

Timeline

Sep 1, 2026—DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin announces 2,197 arrests, citing criminal convictions among those detained and blaming New York's sanctuary policies
Aug 29, 2026—Operation concludes after five weeks
Jul 27, 2026—ICE begins 'Operation Rotten Apple' enforcement operation across New York
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