The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin reported on the significant results of Operation Rotten Apple, which led to the arrest of numerous individuals posing public safety threats in New York. During a press conference, Mullin criticized New York’s leadership, including Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, for their resistance to law enforcement efforts.
Mullin explained that Operation Rotten Apple was launched due to the city’s leadership decisions, such as the New York City mayor’s attempt to reduce the NYPD’s budget by $22 million and lack of cooperation with federal agencies. In just 30 days, the operation resulted in the removal of over 2,100 criminals from the streets across the state.
Highlighting specific cases, Mullin mentioned three foreign nationals with serious criminal histories. One was a 39-year-old Indian national wanted by INTERPOL for an alleged rape in Germany. Another was a 50-year-old Ukrainian citizen with convictions for crimes including kidnapping and murder. Mullin indicated that New York’s sanctuary policies allowed these individuals to remain on the streets.
Mullin also pointed out that New York Democratic politicians contributed to the release of over 13,000 illegal immigrants, urging them to stop obstructing DHS and ICE operations. He emphasized that removing dangerous individuals improves public safety, criticizing the mayor’s stance that ICE raids are inhumane.
“In private, almost every sheriff and police chief wants to work with us,” Mullin stated, citing the termination of 287(g) agreements in New York, which hinder local cooperation with federal authorities. Mullin noted that cities participating in this program are among the safest in the nation.
He assured that federal agents are prepared to support public safety efforts in cities where local leadership is non-cooperative. Mullin highlighted President Trump’s commitment to restoring safety in New York.