Ray Kelly Warns of NYPD Staffing Crisis and the Threat of Migrant Gangs Amid FBI Corruption Probe

Ray Kelly Warns of NYPD Staffing Crisis and the Threat of Migrant Gangs Amid FBI Corruption Probe

Edited by: TJVNews.com

Former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly, one of the most revered figures in the department’s history, issued a stark warning on Sunday about the deepening staffing crisis within the New York Police Department and the growing threat posed by the migrant gang, Tren de Aragua. Speaking on 770 WABC radio’s “The Cats Roundtable,” Kelly underscored the pressing need for collaboration between the NYPD and federal agencies like the FBI to address the emerging dangers posed by this Venezuelan-based criminal organization, which has rapidly expanded its influence in New York City, as was reported by The New York Post.

“The NYPD is facing a significant personnel issue. They cannot hire enough officers to replace those who are leaving, leading to a severe loss of staff,” Kelly explained. The Post report indicated that his comments come as the department grapples with a critical shortage of officers, exacerbated by an ongoing wave of retirements and resignations. The staffing crisis, Kelly warned, has left the department vulnerable to sophisticated criminal networks like Tren de Aragua, which have exploited the city’s growing migrant crisis to establish a foothold in key urban areas.

During his 12-year tenure as NYPD Commissioner, Kelly significantly expanded the department’s gang unit to combat the growing threat of organized crime. However, he acknowledged that even these efforts would be insufficient to counteract the sprawling influence of Tren de Aragua, a gang known for its violent activities, drug trafficking, and control over migrant shelters.

I respect Ray Kelly but I think this completely misses the mark of how to stop the hemorrhaging or deal with the 3rd world gangs https://t.co/4rmMbGFfLj pic.twitter.com/f9u1cMhFYU

— John D. Macari Jr. 🇺🇸🗽 (@JohnDMacari) September 30, 2024

Kelly specifically advocated for the formation of a specialized task force that would combine the resources and expertise of both the NYPD and the FBI. “The FBI should be involved because this gang operates across state lines, which gives them the necessary jurisdiction,” Kelly said, highlighting the transnational nature of Tren de Aragua’s operations. According to The New York Post, the gang has expanded its reach into New York and other major cities, taking advantage of the chaotic conditions in migrant shelters and leveraging its influence in the criminal underworld.

Reports indicate that members of Tren de Aragua have gained control of some migrant shelters, particularly those on Randall’s Island, where they engage in a range of illicit activities. These include violent assaults, illegal firearm sales, and running prostitution rings. The gang has also been linked to the distribution of Tussi, or “pink cocaine,” a dangerous fentanyl mix that has wreaked havoc in communities plagued by crime.

One of Kelly’s most pointed criticisms was directed at the legal framework in New York City, which he believes hampers law enforcement’s ability to deal with the gang problem effectively. Specifically, he cited the impact of local sanctuary laws, which prevent city officials from cooperating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on matters related to illegal immigration and deportation. Kelly lamented that ICE is “out of the game” in New York, leaving a critical gap in the city’s defense against criminal networks like Tren de Aragua.

NYPD still ‘hemorrhaging’ staff, should team with FBI to combat Tren de Aragua: ex-police boss Ray Kelly https://t.co/gFDpFwrbQo

— Maressa Ellis (@Lita631) September 30, 2024

Kelly argued that these sanctuary policies, which have been championed by local leaders, have inadvertently compromised the safety of New Yorkers by allowing violent gang members to remain in the city without fear of deportation or federal law enforcement action. The Post report said that the NYPD, already stretched thin by its staffing crisis, now finds itself further hampered by the inability to work directly with ICE on immigration enforcement matters, Kelly suggested.

The failure to address these legal obstacles, he warned, could lead to further entrenchment of gangs like Tren de Aragua in the city’s vulnerable migrant populations. As the gang expands its operations, the NYPD will need federal support, both in terms of manpower and legal authority, to counteract the growing threat.

The rise of Tren de Aragua has coincided with the broader migrant crisis that has overwhelmed major urban centers in the United States. New York City, in particular, has struggled to manage the influx of migrants, many of whom are housed in temporary shelters that have become breeding grounds for criminal activity. According to The New York Post, Tren de Aragua has capitalized on this instability, establishing control over key areas within migrant camps and using their presence to expand into drug trafficking and prostitution.

Kelly’s warnings come as the city grapples with a surge in violent crime and the challenges of managing a humanitarian crisis at its borders. The gang’s violent tactics, which include riding mopeds while armed and selling illegal firearms openly near shelters, have shocked both residents and city officials. The NYPD’s elite forces, long considered one of the most capable in the world, are reportedly overwhelmed by the scale and speed of the gang’s rise in the city.

Kelly’s remarks also come amidst a broader climate of uncertainty within New York’s law enforcement community. The NYPD has been rocked by an FBI corruption investigation that recently led to the resignation of former Police Commissioner Edward Caban. While no direct allegations have been made against the NYPD itself, the investigation has cast a shadow over the department at a time when it is already facing significant internal and external challenges.

Compounding the difficulties for the city’s leadership, New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted last week on charges of bribery and wire fraud, though he has denied any wrongdoing. These charges, unrelated to the NYPD, have nonetheless created a political firestorm, further complicating efforts to address the crime and gang-related violence affecting the city.

In this context, Kelly’s call for stronger federal involvement in combating gangs like Tren de Aragua takes on added urgency. With the city’s leadership in turmoil and the NYPD struggling with both personnel shortages and political pressures, Kelly argued that the time has come for federal law enforcement agencies, particularly the FBI, to step in and provide critical support. As the gang continues to grow in influence and the migrant crisis worsens, the stakes for New York City could not be higher.