Four migrants involved in a robbery at a Target store in Manhattan have been apprehended by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and are expected to face deportation, according to a statement from the federal agency. The fifth suspect, Brayan Freites-Macias from Venezuela, who is currently in custody, has had a detainer lodged against him by ICE. The agency has deemed Freites-Macias, 21, an illegal immigrant who is eligible for removal from the United States.
The incident occurred on April 2 when the group, consisting of Michael Jose Sanchez Mayo, Henry Omar Zambrano Zapata, Sebastian Jaramillio Balanta, and Yusneibi Yohana Machado Avila, allegedly shoplifted items worth $82 from a Target store on the Upper East Side. The stolen items included a backpack, a gaming light, tools, and various food and beverage products, as per sources and the criminal complaint.
When officers from the NYPD’s 19th Precinct attempted to apprehend the suspects, Machado Avila and Freites-Macias resisted arrest by wrestling, shoving, slapping, and pushing the officers. One officer sustained injuries to his left arm during the altercation. Another suspect, who remains at large, attempted to throw rocks at the officers but missed.
Machado Avila and Freites-Macias were charged with robbery, assault, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, criminal possession of stolen property, disorderly conduct, and harassment. Despite their extensive criminal records, which include charges of trespassing, shoplifting, assault, petit theft, and grand larceny, Machado Avila was released without bail, while Freites-Macias was remanded on $3,000 bail or a $9,000 bond.
The remaining three suspects, who were also residing at the Ward’s Island shelter, were charged with robbery and disorderly conduct. They were later arraigned on petit larceny and possession of stolen property charges and released without bail.
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban acknowledged the concerns regarding the city’s recent increase in violent crime but emphasized that it was a matter of “perception versus reality.” He also stated that while the NYPD understands the aspirations of individuals seeking a better life in New York City, those who commit crimes will be held accountable.
