The U.S. Department of Homeland Security(DHS) revealed this September 18, 2025 the identity of several undocumented immigrants with criminal records who were being processed at the 26 Federal Plaza federal facility in New York. On that day, a group of activists and local politicians disrupted operations, demanding the release of all detainees.
The facility currently houses 16 individuals with serious criminal records, including MS-13 gang members and convictions for illegal weapons possession, drug trafficking and multiple cases of drunk driving.
Protest in New York leaves 71 arrests
According to Deputy Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, protests led by New York Comptroller Brad Lander resulted in a confrontation with federal and local authorities.
Lander entered the building without authorization, assured that he would not leave until the detained immigrants were released, and provoked the intervention of the Federal Protective Service and the NYPD.
The result: 71 arrests, including Lander, two state senators and nine members of the New York State Assembly.
McLaughlin noted that the detainees are not minor cases, but individuals with a history of serious crimes:
“They are violent gang members, drug dealers, repeat DUI offenders and illegal aliens with weapons convictions.”
“These are the criminals that some politicians seek to return to the streets of New York, putting communities at risk,” he said.
Detainees highlighted at 26 Federal Plaza
Vladimir Kuca (Albania): Entered illegally in 2023. Convicted in Switzerland for drug trafficking. Turned over to ICE by the FBI in September 2025.
David Abrego Alvarado (El Salvador): Confirmed member of MS-13. Expelled in 2017, re-entered in 2023. Convicted of drunk driving.
Juan Hernández Saravia (El Salvador): Member of MS-13. Three convictions for DUI and two for gun possession. Deported in 2007, re-entered illegally.
Juan Enrique Peña Soriano (Dominican Republic): Arrested by DEA for possession of controlled substances, turned over to ICE.
Asker Aslanovich Khutov (Russia): overstayed his B-2 visa and has a final order of deportation. Convicted of possession of stolen property.
Miguel Ramirez (Mexico): Entered illegally on unknown date. Charged with restricted consumption and previously convicted of resisting arrest.
Impact on the immigrant community
The case has generated much debate among federal authorities and local leaders who support sanctuary policies.
While DHS maintains that the detentions are necessary for public safety, immigrant advocacy organizations criticize what they consider a generalized criminalization of the immigrant community.
They are members of violents gangs
Tricia McLaughlin
For Hispanics in the United States, these types of operations show the ongoing tension between federal immigration policies and local efforts to protect immigrants.
Immigration experts recommend being informed about ICE procedures, knowing your legal rights in case of arrest, and seeking reliable legal advice.
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