New York’s self-imposed “sanctuary city” status is handcuffing the NYPD from clamping down on a violent crew of young Tren de Aragua members that is terrorizing Manhattan, sources tell The Post.
Cops already grappling with the Empire State’s lenient criminal justice laws also have to contend with the immigrant-friendly designation that largely bars police from city-funded migrant shelters that have become a hotbed for gang activity, the sources said.
“It’s a problem,” one law enforcement source said. “We’re essentially allowing a criminal enterprise now involving minors to percolate in the shelter system without the police being able to do what would be normal due diligence when minors are involved in crime.”
The stalemate has become increasingly frustrating for the NYPD, particularly as a baby-faced pack of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua calling itself “Diablos de la 42” — Devils of 42nd Street — has been targeting locals and tourists in armed heists around Times Square, according to sources.
Once content to just snatch purses and jewelry, officials say that members of the marauding migrant youth gang — some as young as 11 — are now armed and dangerous.
Authorities maintain that the youngsters are recruited by migrant gang members in city shelters — particularly the Roosevelt Hotel in Midtown — and sent out to do the dirty work, The Post reported this week.