Queens Council Member Robert Holden has expressed his concerns regarding New York City’s sanctuary city laws after an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) report revealed that a Venezuelan gang member, Javier Jose Albornoz Marchan, was released into the community multiple times despite ICE detainer requests being ignored. Albornoz, a member of the Tren de Aragua criminal gang, was arrested by ICE on Staten Island after making threats against local law enforcement officers.
Albornoz, a 22-year-old Venezuelan national, had a criminal record that included charges of criminal possession of a firearm and drug-related offenses. Despite being convicted by the Bronx Supreme Court, he was released into the community without notification to ICE due to the New York City Department of Corrections ignoring an ICE detainer.
In addition to his recent arrest, Albornoz had a history of run-ins with the law, including shoplifting charges in New Jersey and possession of burglary tools. ICE had lodged an immigration detainer after his arrest in New Jersey, but it was allegedly ignored, allowing Albornoz to be released back into the community.
ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Director Kenneth Genalo criticized sanctuary jurisdictions for endangering public safety by preventing cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE. He called for a reassessment of current legislation to address these issues and ensure the safety of communities.
Councilman Holden echoed Genalo’s sentiments, highlighting the risks associated with sanctuary city policies. He emphasized the need for leaders to prioritize public safety over political agendas and take action to address the loopholes that allow dangerous individuals like Albornoz to roam free in communities.
Holden, who represents District 30 in Queens, has been a vocal advocate for repealing New York’s sanctuary city laws. Along with members of the New York City Council’s Common Sense Caucus, he introduced legislation aimed at overturning these laws and allowing local law enforcement to cooperate with ICE. He has also called on Governor Kathy Hochul to consider signing an executive order to temporarily suspend sanctuary city regulations in order to protect New Yorkers from potential threats posed by individuals like Albornoz.
