A group of eight illegal migrants were found squatting in a New York City apartment with a child and are now facing drugs and weapons charges after police discovered ketamine, cocaine, and guns at the home. The migrants were busted after authorities were called to a Bronx apartment following a report of a person displaying a gun just after 10 p.m. When the police arrived, they found a man pointing a gun at someone in the driveway of the apartment, but he fled into the building’s basement where he was later arrested. Another man tried to sneak out of the basement with a handgun tucked under his arm but was also apprehended. The search of the basement apartment revealed additional guns, a large quantity of a controlled substance, and a 7-year-old child whose parents could not be identified.
The weapons found in the basement included a “ghost gun” and three extended magazines, along with ammunition and bags of ketamine and cocaine. Many of the suspects are from Venezuela and were squatting in the house. Video from the scene shows items scattered across the backyard, including bags of trash, a chair, a mattress, an inflatable pool, a moped, and a wheelchair. The landlord moved to evict the tenants in October after their lease ended. Eight people, including one woman, were arrested in connection with the incident and charged with criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and acting in a manner injurious to a child.
One suspect, Hector Desousa-Villalta, was previously arrested for attempted murder last year but was released. Another suspect, Javier Alborno, was arrested for possession of a loaded gun in September. Despite prosecutors requesting bail for some of the suspects, six were released without bail. Desousa-Villalta allegedly shot a migrant in the leg during an argument in 2023, but the case fell apart when the victim refused to cooperate. Alborno, who was still in custody as of Tuesday, is being held for possession of a loaded gun. Another suspect, Miquel Vaamondes-Barrios, is wanted for retail theft and shoplifting in New York and Pennsylvania.
The Bronx District Attorney’s Office was unable to keep all of the suspects in custody despite requesting bail for several of them. Some of the suspects have a history of criminal activity, including possession of a loaded gun, attempted murder, and retail theft. The tenants of the building were evicted in October after their lease ended, but it is unclear if people are still squatting at the house. The eight suspects arrested in connection with the incident are facing serious charges related to drugs and weapons possession, as well as endangering a child found at the apartment. The investigation into this case is ongoing, with law enforcement agencies working to ensure the safety of the community.
Overall, the incident involving illegal migrants squatting in a New York City apartment with drugs, weapons, and a child highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in dealing with such cases. Despite efforts to hold suspects accountable and ensure public safety, some individuals have been released without bail, raising concerns about potential recidivism and the need for stricter enforcement measures. The involvement of multiple suspects with criminal histories underscores the complexities of addressing illegal immigration and related criminal activities. Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the incident and work towards ensuring the safety and security of the community.
