Two migrants charged in the shocking mob attack on two NYPD officers in Times Square have been identified as members of the notorious Venezuelan street gang “Tren de Aragua,” according to federal immigration officials. Wilson Juarez, 21, and Kelvin Servita-Arocha, 19, are being held without bail by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as reputed members of the bloodthirsty gang that has established a presence in New York City.
ICE spokeswoman Marie Ferguson confirmed that both Juarez and Arocha, who are unlawfully present Venezuelan citizens, have been charged in connection with the violent gang assault on the NYPD officers and are currently detained without bond. She stated that both individuals have been identified as members of the Tren de Aragua transnational criminal organization.
Juarez and Arocha were apprehended by immigration agents after the arrest warrant execution for another asylum seeker wanted in the Times Square attack. This revelation comes as a second migrant linked to the incident was ordered to be held without bail, while another was given a $100,000 cash bail.
Darwin Andres Gomez-Izquiel, 19, who was initially released without bail after the assault, was sent to Rikers Island after being arrested for alleged shoplifting at a Queens Macy’s department store. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz emphasized the importance of respecting the rule of law and those who enforce it, stating that lawlessness cannot prevail in the city.
Ulises Bohorquez, 21, became the eighth migrant arraigned in the assault and was ordered to be held on $100,000 cash bail or a $250,000 bond. A total of 14 suspects are believed to have participated in the attack on an NYPD lieutenant and a police officer who were attempting to disperse an unruly crowd.
So far, eight migrants have been charged with assault on a police officer and obstructing government administration in relation to the January 27 attack. The first five suspects were initially released without bail, pending further investigation. Yohenry Brito, the sixth suspect, was ordered to be held on $15,000 cash bail or a $50,000 bond but was released this week after a Brooklyn activist priest posted the bond. Yarwuin Madris became the first suspect to be held without bail, and Ulises Bohorquez was the latest to face a judge.
