12-year-old migrant linked to Tren de Aragua arrested for attacking cops Times Square

A 12-year-old migrant with ties to the violent Tren de Aragua gang has been arrested for the attack on two NYPD police officers on Friday. The officers were protecting two kids from being robbed. 

Per the New York Daily News, two officers on Friday moved to break up a group that was attempting to rob two young people at W. 42nd St. and Eighth Ave. at about 7:35 p.m. The group attacked the officers, throwing objects at them, and left them with minor injuries. 

Four people in total were arrested, including the boy who police sources said is affiliated with Diablos de la 42, or Devils of 42nd St, an offshoot of Tren de Aragua. Sources told the outlet that the suspects had been staying at nearby hotels that were housing migrants seeking asylum.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams wrote, "Let’s be clear: we will NOT tolerate anyone attacking the symbol of public safety in our city." He later added, "But we will not stop until each and every person involved in this attack is brought to justice. Our men and women in uniform should be able to do their job keeping New Yorkers safe without despicable behavior such as this happening to them."

The youngster arrested in connection with the attack was previously arrested in 2024 at the age of 11 in connection with a string of robberies that took place in Central Park. Sources told the New York Post that the 12-year-old was the ringleader of a group of around 12 boys who conducted dozens of muggings beginning in June of 2024. He was arrested on August 13, 2024 for the muggings and the beating of a passenger aboard a 7 train in Queens, police said.

“This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that NYPD police officers face every day while working to keep New Yorkers safe,” the NYPD said in a statement after the latest arrests.