ICE Detains Latin Kings Member Following NYC Sanctuary Release Despite Assault Allegations

An illegal immigrant and alleged gang member has been apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents following his release by New York City authorities, despite concerns about his threat to public safety. This arrest was confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security on Friday.

The individual, identified as Bryan David Tasiguano Leon, an Ecuadorian national, was taken into custody by the New York Police Department on February 14. He faced allegations of assaulting a first responder and had a history of charges related to assault and family neglect.

Leon, who is reportedly affiliated with the Latin Kings gang, was released from city custody even though ICE had placed a detainer request with the NYPD, aiming for a transfer to federal custody. This decision to release him sparked criticism from federal officials.

“New York sanctuary politicians made the choice to release this Latin Kings gang member back into city communities,” stated Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. She highlighted Leon’s previous arrests for assaulting a first responder and neglecting family responsibilities as significant concerns.

Federal authorities successfully detained Leon earlier this month, marking another chapter in the ongoing debate over sanctuary policies and their implications for public safety. The Department of Homeland Security underscored the risks associated with releasing individuals who are considered dangerous back into the community.

ICE agents arrested Leon on March 4 during immigration enforcement operations in New York City. He remains in ICE custody pending deportation proceedings. 

Leon first illegally entered the United States around Nov. 11, 2022 through the southern border and was released into the country by the Biden administration. He was issued a final order of removal by a judge on Feb. 27, 2025.  

 “Not only was this illegal alien released by the Biden administration, but he was also released again by New York’s sanctuary politicians,” said Bis. “Enough is enough. Sanctuary politicians must stop releasing criminal illegal aliens back into our communities to perpetrate more crimes.” 

Upon taking office in January, New York Mayor Zorhan Mamdani signed an executive order reaffirming the city’s sanctuary laws, which limits cooperation between local and federal authorities on immigration enforcement. 

Fox News Digital has reached out to Mamdani’s office.  On Friday, Mamdani said ICE should be abolished, calling it “rogue” and “reckless” as he faced questions about the death of an 83-year-old Air Force veteran who died after allegedly being shoved onto subway tracks by an illegal immigrant earlier this month. 

“I have made clear to the president, both in our private conversations and our public conversations, about the fact that I believe that ICE is a rogue agency.”

Mayor of New York Zohran Mamdani next to Dylan Contreras, a high school student who was recently released from federal custody, speaks during a press conference at Middle Collegiate Church in New York City on March 19, 2026. (Leonardo Munoz/AFP via Getty Images)

The mayor added that he believes ICE “delivers nothing toward the furthering of the cause of public safety.”

Currently, there are 7,113 illegal immigrants in custody across New York state with an active ICE detainer. Their crimes include 148 homicides, 717 assaults, 134 burglaries, 106 robberies, 235 dangerous drug offenses, 152 weapons offenses, and 260 sexual predatory offenses, DHS said. 

<!–>