The Impact of a Venezuelan Migrant with Gang Ties on New York City
A Venezuelan illegal immigrant with suspected gang ties, Daniel Hernandez Martinez, has caused chaos in New York City after being released into the United States and not yet deported. The House Judiciary Committee obtained exclusive documents showing the extent of Martinez’s criminal activities and the challenges in deporting him.
Criminal Activities and Immigration Status
Despite being arrested and released six times in New York on 14 charges, Daniel Hernandez Martinez has not been deported. The House Judiciary Committee received reports of Martinez’s ties to the Tron de Aragua gang and his involvement in criminal activities in New York.
Border Patrol first encountered Martinez in January 2023, near Isleta, Texas, and deported him under the Title 42 coronavirus deportation order. However, Martinez managed to re-enter the United States and went on to commit a series of crimes in New York, including petty larceny, unlawful possession of a weapon, and assault.
Challenges in Deportation and Government Response
Despite ICE intervening after Martinez’s seventh encounter with the New York Police Department, challenges in deporting him remain. He was ordered deported in June 2024, but Venezuela’s refusal to accept deportation flights has prolonged his stay in the U.S.
The House Judiciary Committee’s report criticizes Vice President Kamala Harris and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas for their lenient immigration policies, which have contributed to the release of millions of illegal immigrants into the country. The memo issued by Mayorkas in 2021 limited ICE’s ability to arrest criminal aliens, leading to further challenges in immigration enforcement.
The turmoil at the southwest border, exacerbated by the Biden administration’s policies, has resulted in increased insecurity in the country. ICE’s response to the situation and efforts to address the issue remain a point of contention and debate within the government.
