The migrant crisis in New York City has reached unprecedented levels, with many fearing the impact the increased migrant population is having on the city. One such case is that of Daniel Hernandez Martinez, a 29-year-old man who arrived in the city from Venezuela just two months ago and has already been arrested 6 times.
Martinez’s time in the city has been marked by a series of criminal activities. After arriving in New York City on June 27th, he almost immediately committed his first crime. Since then, he has been arrested six times, facing 14 different charges. His crimes range from shoplifting items like a jar of Nutella, shoes, and Dove body wash from a Costco in Brooklyn to more violent offenses including assault.
An NYPD officer said, “This is not an isolated incident. These migrants are getting arrested quite often here, and we really don’t know who they are. They really don’t have ID. They’re not vetted properly, but some of them are committing some of the most violent crimes here.”
As per court documents, after attempting to steal a bag of chips and toothpaste from the 59th Street Columbus Circle Duane Reade, he “pulled out a large knife and advanced toward an undercover officer” while yelling incoherently. Despite the severity of the charge, Martinez was released on his own recognizance as the charge wasn’t eligible for bail.
Jeffrey Bradac, a journalist documenting the migrant crisis in the city, had a personal encounter with Martinez. Bradac, who had previously interviewed Martinez, was attacked by him with a bike tire outside a migrant shelter in Times Square. Recalling the incident, Bradac stated, ”I did a nice interview with the guy. He hit me with the bike tire and I called police.”
Martinez’s criminal activities didn’t stop there. On August 21st, he violently assaulted a woman in Midtown, dragging her by the hair and kicking her. Days later, he was arrested for harassment of a stranger with a weapon after threatening a stranger with a chain. His most recent arrest on August 28 involved the use of a metal pipe to break locks and steal bicycles in Times Square. Martinez requested medical attention and during his time at Beth Israel Hospital, he assaulted a police officer, leading to additional charges.
Assistant District Attorney Jared Hotchkiss highlighted the gravity of Martinez’s actions, noting, “Martinez has been arrested five times in less than two months for charges of harm nearly every time.” Despite the numerous charges, Martinez’s bail was set at $5,000, and he was sent to Rikers Island.
Questions about Martinez’s criminal history in Venezuela and his entry into the United States remain unanswered, with the U.S. State Department, Venezuelan consulate, and Homeland Security yet to provide clarity.
New Yorkers have recently erupted in protests across the city voicing concerns about the placement of migrant shelters. Many argue that due to a lack of vetting, many of the migrants could be criminals.
