Trump’s law-and-order approach won’t solve NYC’s migrant issue
New Yorkers are concerned about the increase in migrant crime in the city, citing examples such as the tragic murder of Georgia student Laken Riley by a man who first arrived in the US in New York City, and the daring robberies associated with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua. However, the extent of migrant crime in the city and what policy changes are needed to address it are points of discussion.
One proposed solution is to decrease both the influx of migrants into New York City and the generous social services that attract them. Since spring 2022, over 223,000 migrants and asylum seekers have arrived in New York, costing taxpayers $352 per day for housing, social services, and amenities.
The city plans to close 12 migrant shelters before January, and there is hope for further relief through immigration policy changes under President-elect Donald Trump. Trump has vowed to secure the southern border, implement a significant deportation effort, and end parole programs for illegal entrants instated during the Biden administration, as well as restrict migrants’ ability to apply for asylum from Mexico through the CBP One app. Additionally, he has nominated South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, a strong proponent of border security, to head the Department of Homeland Security.
Despite these proposed changes, migrant crime in the city continues due to lenient bail, discovery, and “Raise the Age” laws, progressive judges, and a system lacking resources. This has made New York City an attractive destination for property crimes committed by migrants.
Criminals are utilizing mopeds to commit crimes, such as stealing jewelry, phones, and purses across boroughs. Police efforts include targeting moped duos for traffic stops to deter future crimes and seizing unlicensed mopeds found outside migrant shelters.
The NYPD’s aviation units monitor escape routes via helicopters, but apprehending criminals proves difficult. Preventing migrants from selling stolen goods in shelters or shipping them abroad where they cannot be traced is another challenge.
Even when apprehended, migrant criminals often face minimal consequences as they lack a criminal history in the US, making it difficult to detain them for their first offense in New York. Various legal reforms have limited bail eligibility for a range of offenses, with judges having the discretion to detain repeat offenders under certain circumstances.
Another challenge is the 2020 discovery statute, which has led prosecutors to downgrade charges in hopes of securing convictions. This has resulted in a higher rate of dismissed misdemeanor cases and lower conviction rates for both misdemeanors and felonies, contributing to a rise in property crimes and theft in the city.
Teen migrants, taking advantage of the “Raise the Age” law reform, have contributed to the surge in crime. This policy sends a majority of misdemeanor and felony cases involving 16- and 17-year-olds to family court, where the consequences are minimal and future judges cannot consider past arrests, leading to increased youth arrests for serious offenses.
Youth Latin American gang members, some affiliated with Tren de Aragua, are drawn to the lenient climate in New York. The NYPD monitors identifiers linked to these gang members, but the strain on resources due to migrant crime responses remains a challenge.
Addressing immigration policies is just a part of the solution. New York must also amend its detrimental criminal justice laws to prevent the city from becoming a haven for criminal activities.
Hannah E. Meyers is a fellow and director of policing and public safety for the Manhattan Institute.
