Federal law enforcement and ICE agents have arrested more than 500 undocumented migrants with outstanding criminal records in a nationwide operation targeting sanctuary cities, according to officials.

ICE reported 538 arrests during the operation, which included detaining 373 undocumented immigrants across the country. In New York, agents apprehended three individuals: an alleged MS-13 gang member from El Salvador, a Jamaican citizen charged with sexual exploitation of a minor, and a Honduran citizen with a drunk driving conviction.

Similar operations were conducted in other cities, including Boston, Denver, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Seattle, Miami, and Washington, D.C.

The arrests follow a Justice Department memo threatening criminal charges against state and local officials who fail to cooperate with ICE. However, New York Attorney General Letitia James pushed back against these efforts, asserting that the Trump administration cannot compel local law enforcement to participate in federal immigration enforcement.

“The president cannot unilaterally rewrite the Constitution,” James said, criticizing what she called unconstitutional violations stemming from Washington. She reaffirmed New York’s commitment to protecting vulnerable and marginalized populations, including immigrant communities.

Internal directives within New York City schools have emphasized that ICE agents are not permitted entry under any circumstances. Similarly, the NYPD issued guidance instructing officers not to assist with federal immigration operations.

During a town hall meeting in Corona, Queens, Mayor Eric Adams addressed concerns from community members, urging the city’s immigrant population not to retreat into hiding. He reassured attendees that New York City would continue to stand with and support its immigrant communities.