DHS Accuses NYPD of Ignoring Detainer for Guinean Man Accused of Assaulting Officer

The Department of Homeland Security stated that the New York City Police Department released Alpha Bah, a Guinean national without legal status, without notifying federal immigration authorities after he was charged with aggravated assault on a police officer with a deadly weapon.

ICE lodged a detainer request with Queens Central Booking on Oct. 7, 2026. The NYPD ignored the request and released Bah. He remains at large as authorities conduct a manhunt for him.

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said the release illustrates the impact of local sanctuary policies. He stated that open-border policies allowed Bah into the country and that New York officials released him after his arrest without notifying ICE.

Mullin said in a statement that Bah was arrested for assaulting a police officer with a deadly weapon. He said New York City officials refused to honor the ICE detainer and released Bah back onto the streets.

The Department of Homeland Security called on New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani to stop sanctuary policies. Mullin said the policies should end before another American is hurt or worse.

Bah had a prior encounter with federal authorities in June 2026. He was charged with intent to obtain transportation without paying. ICE lodged a detainer with Manhattan Central Booking, but the NYPD also released him following that arrest.

Bah entered the United States illegally in November 2023. He resided in Arizona before being arrested by U.S. Border Patrol. He was also arrested in January 2025 for criminal trespassing and was released before ICE could request a detainer under prior administration policies.

Governor Hochul signed legislation in May that blocked New York law enforcement agencies from entering into official agreements with ICE. Mayor Mamdani signed an executive order to reaffirm the city's commitment to being a sanctuary for all New Yorkers. The order restricted federal immigration enforcement on city property and made it harder to access data on illegal immigrants.

DHS said that partnerships between ICE and local law enforcement are key to removing criminal illegal aliens from American communities. The department noted that seven of the ten safest cities in the U.S. cooperate with ICE.

Neither the office of Governor Hochul nor the office of Mayor Mamdani immediately replied to a request for comment regarding the release of Bah.