Curtis Sliwa's Guardian Angels have explicitly recruited illegal immigrants as part of their inclusive membership approach
- 17GEN4
- 9 hours ago
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Background on Recruitment
The Guardian Angels, founded by Sliwa in 1979 as a volunteer anti-crime patrol group, emphasize diversity in their ranks. Early members were predominantly Black and Hispanic, and the organization has historically welcomed a broad range of recruits, including those from marginalized communities.
In a notable 2018 expansion effort in Paterson, New Jersey, Sliwa directly invited "people with criminal history, recovering addicts, and illegal immigrants" to join the local chapter. This was part of a public call for trainees aged 16 and older, with no mention of immigration status as a barrier. The group aimed to patrol high-crime areas like the 4th Ward, starting with community cleanups to build trust.
Context and Contradictions
While the Angels promote inclusivity for recruitment, Sliwa himself has been a vocal critic of undocumented immigration in recent years. He has led protests against migrant shelters in New York City (resulting in multiple arrests in 2023), accused city officials of prioritizing "illegal migrants" over locals, and participated in high-profile incidents targeting perceived migrants—such as a 2024 Fox News segment where Angels detained a man mistakenly identified as a Venezuelan migrant and shoplifter (he was actually a Bronx resident).
Critics, including immigrant advocates and New York officials like Gov. Kathy Hochul, have accused the group of vigilante tactics that stoke fears of a "migrant crime wave," despite data showing no significant crime uptick tied to asylum seekers. Some describe the Angels as "unlawful vigilantes who target immigrants and people of color."
Current Status
As of 2025, the Guardian Angels claim about 150 adult members in New York City (down from historical peaks of over 1,000), with ongoing recruitment challenges. Their website and public statements continue to solicit volunteers without immigration restrictions, aligning with the 2018 policy. However, the organization faces internal issues, including loss of tax-exempt status and exaggerated claims of global presence.
This recruitment stance reflects the group's community-focused origins but contrasts with Sliwa's recent anti-migrant activism, creating a complex legacy.
Sources for Key Claims
Publicly available reporting as of October 2025.
Recruitment of Undocumented Immigrants
Explicit invitation in 2018 Paterson expansion: Curtis Sliwa directly called for recruits including "people with criminal history, recovering addicts, and illegal immigrants" during a town hall in Paterson, NJ, for ages 16 and older, with no immigration barriers mentioned. This was part of starting patrols in high-crime areas like the 4th Ward.
A follow-up report confirmed plans to recruit and train local residents without restrictions.
Broader inclusive policy: The Guardian Angels emphasize diversity and equal opportunity, historically drawing from marginalized groups (e.g., early members were mostly Black and Hispanic), with no formal exclusion based on immigration status. Their motto and structure support "people of all races and ethnic groups" working together.
Recent statements reaffirm "diversity and inclusivity."
Background and Diversity
Founding and early diversity (1979): Started as "The Magnificent 13" in the Bronx, expanding rapidly to hundreds of recruits from diverse, low-income backgrounds amid NYC's crime wave. By the 1980s, membership included significant Asian (65%) and female representation, focusing on community patrols.
Ongoing emphasis: The group's website and history highlight volunteer-driven, inclusive initiatives for community safety, without immigration checks in recruitment calls.
Sliwa's Anti-Migrant Activism and Contradictions
2023 arrests at protests: Sliwa was arrested multiple times (e.g., August 20 at Midland Beach shelter, August 27 at Gracie Mansion) for civil disobedience against migrant housing, criticizing Mayor Adams for prioritizing "illegal migrants" over locals. He was joined by others in rallies framing the issue as an "invasion."
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2024 Fox News incident: Sliwa and Angels detained a man in Times Square, mistakenly identifying him as a "Venezuelan migrant" and shoplifter during a live Hannity segment. He was actually a Bronx resident; the event amplified anti-migrant rhetoric.
Criticism as vigilantes: Groups like the New York Immigration Coalition and officials (e.g., Gov. Hochul) have called the Angels "vigilantes" targeting immigrants and people of color, especially amid fears of a "migrant crime wave" unsupported by data.
Current Status (as of 2025)
Membership numbers: NYC chapter has about 150 adult members (down from peaks over 1,000) and 50 juniors, facing recruitment challenges. Global claims are sometimes exaggerated.
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Internal issues: Lost tax-exempt status due to paperwork failures; ongoing recruitment via website without immigration limits, but contrasts with Sliwa's activism.
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These sources represent a mix of mainstream journalism (e.g., NYT, Fox News, NorthJersey.com) and neutral references (e.g., Wikipedia, Britannica) to ensure balance.
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