Former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly revealed on Sunday that the nation’s largest police department is grappling with a severe staffing crisis, leaving it vulnerable to rising threats such as the migrant gang Tren de Aragua.

Speaking on 770 WABC radio’s “The Cats Roundtable,” Kelly emphasized the dire situation.

He stated, “The problem in the NYPD now is personnel. They can’t hire enough people to backfill the people that are leaving. They are still experiencing hemorrhaging.”

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Kelly, who holds the record as the longest-serving police commissioner in NYPD history, recalled his efforts to combat gang violence during his twelve-year tenure, during which he doubled the size of the department’s gang unit. However, he voiced concern that current measures fall short in addressing the escalating danger posed by the notorious Venezuelan-based Tren gang.

“What has to be done is [creating] a task force with the NYPD involving the FBI,” he urged, highlighting the need for collaboration in tackling this pressing issue.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, Kelly criticized the role of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, which he claims has been sidelined due to New York City’s “sanctuary” laws.

“The sanctuary law makes New York City unsafe,” he stated, pointing out that these laws prevent city officials from cooperating with federal agents on matters of illegal immigration and deportation.

Kelly continued, “I say [team with] the FBI because, I think, they have interstate activity on the part of this particular gang, which gives them jurisdiction.”