Launched Operation Salvo targeting Trinitarios gang in New York City
July 8, 2025
Systemic Escalation
Founders' Principles Violated
Guardrails Violated
Trigger
Immigration enforcement launched Operation Salvo on July 8, 2025, targeting the Trinitarios gang in New York City, using aggressive enforcement tactics and mass arrests. The operation was announced publicly on January 8, 2026, following the fatal shooting of an ICE agent in Minneapolis.
Action Taken
Launched Operation Salvo on July 8, 2025, targeting the Trinitarios gang in New York City, using aggressive enforcement tactics and mass arrests. Operation was publicly announced on January 8, 2026, following the fatal shooting of an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Critics argued the operation violated due process rights and targeted immigrant communities. Operation created fear and uncertainty in immigrant communities. Multiple lawsuits filed challenging the operation's tactics.
In His Own Words
"We will remove all gang members from our cities."
"Operation Salvo will restore law and order in New York."
"Gang members have no right to be here."
What's Wrong
Large-scale immigration enforcement operation using aggressive tactics without proper due process. Operation targeted immigrant communities with mass arrests. Critics argued the operation violated due process rights and constitutional protections. Multiple lawsuits filed challenging the operation's tactics.
Impact
Constitutional: Violation of due process rights through mass arrests. Legal: Multiple lawsuits filed challenging the operation. Institutional: Undermines trust in immigration enforcement and due process. Operational: Hundreds of immigrants affected, creating fear in immigrant communities.
Sources & Full Details
Primary Sources
Background
Operation Salvo was launched on July 8, 2025, targeting the Trinitarios gang in New York City, using aggressive enforcement tactics and mass arrests. The operation was publicly announced on January 8, 2026, following the fatal shooting of an ICE agent in Minneapolis. Critics argued the operation violated due process rights. Multiple lawsuits were filed challenging the operation's tactics.
Why Level 4?
Systemic escalation: Large-scale enforcement operation using aggressive tactics. Multiple guardrails bypassed: due process, constitutional rights, separation of powers. Measurable harm to immigrant communities and due process protections.