ICE arrests Venezuelan migrant after Manhattan sewer incident

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested Samuel Reveron Ascanio, a 25-year-old Venezuelan migrant, after he was released by a New York City judge despite an active federal warrant.

Ascanio was among several men seen emerging from a manhole near the United Nations in Manhattan on September 24. The group reportedly used Toyota Corolla sedans to block the storm drains while searching for valuables and scrap metal. While the incident initially raised security concerns due to the proximity of the UN General Assembly, investigators determined the men were searching for lost items in the sewers.

ICE officials criticized the city's decision to release Ascanio, stating that New York City had the opportunity to transfer him to federal custody in a controlled environment. The NYPD maintained that it does not participate in the enforcement of civil immigration laws in accordance with New York City's sanctuary policies.