In a major crackdown on cellphone robberies, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) has arrested several migrants believed to be responsible for a widespread pattern of thefts targeting dozens of victims. On Monday, police raided a Bronx apartment which served as a headquarters for the robbery crew, leading to the arrest of three individuals. This operation is believed to be linked to more than 50 robberies across the city.

During the raid at the building located at 2790 Bronx Park East, the police discovered stolen cell phones, some of which the suspects attempted to hide or throw out of windows to evade arrest. The arrested individuals, Yan Jiminez, Anthony Ramos, Richard Saledo, Beike Jiminez, Maria Manaura, and Cleyber Andrade, are alleged to be part of a robbery team that would target victims, snatch their cell phones, and then bring the stolen goods back to the Bronx stashhouse.

While some suspects were released without bail, including Jiminez, Saledo, and Ramos, others faced stricter bail conditions. The NYPD's latest focus on these petty crime cases coincides with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's preparations to bring the case of migrants allegedly attacking NYPD officers in Times Square to a grand jury. The incident, caught on camera, showed as many as 14 people assaulting two police officers in front of a migrant shelter. Four suspects in that case were released without bail, with sources claiming that four defendants have since traveled to California using aliases.

These recent events have stirred criticism towards Bragg, with top NYPD officials questioning why migrants with few ties to the community were released without bail. The debate surrounding bail for migrants accused of felonies comes amidst the broader discussion regarding the border crisis and the influx of over 150,000 migrants entering New York City, many of whom require housing and assistance.

NYPD Assistant Commissioner Kaz Daughtry took to social media after the Bronx arrests, acknowledging that while most migrants come to NYC in search of a better life, some do engage in criminal activities. Meanwhile, Governor Kathy Hochul has called for the deportation of the migrants involved in the assault on the officers. However, federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials highlight the lack of information sharing by New York City regarding migrants accused or convicted of crimes and their court appearances.

The latest crime statistics released by the NYPD on Monday revealed an overall decline in crime in January, except for a small increase in robberies. While there were substantial drops in murder, rape, burglary, and felony assault compared to the same month in 2023, the number of robberies increased by 5.4%, from 1,345 to 1,417 incidents.

The arrested suspects are due to appear in court on March 4, and their cases will shed further light on the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing the rise in cellphone robberies and addressing the concerns surrounding bail for migrant perpetrators.