A Bronx judge is facing criticism after releasing six suspected migrant squatters who were arrested on drugs and weapons charges, despite objections from prosecutors. Judge Eugene Bowen, a Democrat elected in 2023, made the decision to release the men without bail, raising questions about his previous controversial rulings.

Among the released migrants was Hector Desousa-Villalta, a 24-year-old Venezuelan who had been arrested on attempted murder charges earlier this year. Prosecutors had requested a bail of $150,000 cash for Desousa-Villalta, but Judge Bowen decided to release him and the other five individuals without bail. This pattern of releasing individuals with criminal backgrounds is not new for Bowen, as he faced backlash for setting free two men who were caught on video assaulting a police officer in November.

According to the NYPD, the two assailants, Kaream McClary and Izayiah Jessamy, were arrested for assaulting Officer John Hernandez, who had asked them to put out their cigarettes at a subway station. Prosecutors had recommended bail amounts of $10,000 or $30,000 bond, but Judge Bowen released them without bail. This decision sparked outrage from Patrick Hendry, President of the Police Benevolent Association union, who called for accountability for those who assault law enforcement.

Judge Bowen, who was elected to the Civil Court of New York in 2022, has been serving on the bench for just over a year. He previously worked as a criminal defense attorney for the Legal Aid Society. In a survey for Ballotpedia.org, Bowen highlighted his commitment to advocating for his clients' rights and ensuring their voices were heard.

The recent controversial ruling by Judge Bowen involved a case where eight migrants appeared in court, charged with criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and acting in a manner injurious to a child. The police found four guns, ammunition, cocaine, and ketamine in a multi-dwelling house where these individuals were living with a seven-year-old child.

During the arrest, Desousa-Villalta was seen pointing a gun outside the premises, while another suspect, Javier Alborno, attempted to flee with a handgun. The police apprehended both individuals. Despite the Bronx District Attorney's Office requesting bail of $150,000 cash or $450,000 bond for Desousa-Villalta, he was released on supervised release. Alborno, on the other hand, was held on a $100,000 cash bail.

An additional suspect, 31-year-old Miquel Vaamondes-Barrios, was also being held on a $25,000 bail for retail theft and shoplifting charges in both New York and Pennsylvania. It remains unclear why Barrios and Alborno were held while the rest of the migrants were released without bail.

Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew McCarthy, a Fox News contributor, pointed out that Judge Bowen's lenient approach to crime is not surprising considering how lower court judges are elected in New York City. McCarthy highlighted the influence of progressive Democrats in these elections, who often advocate for sanctuary city policies and criminal justice "reform." He believes that these policies contribute to the rise in crime and a decline in quality of life in the city.

As the controversy surrounding Judge Bowen's decisions continues to grow, many are questioning the need for stricter judicial oversight and the potential risks posed by releasing individuals with criminal records back into the community.