NYPD Investigates People Exiting Sewer Near Penn Station

The NYPD is investigating after surveillance footage showed three individuals climbing out of a manhole near Penn Station on Seventh Avenue by 32nd Street at 4 a.m. last Tuesday, August 18.

Authorities believe the individuals are part of a group of migrants scavenging underground, a practice that has increased since the immigration surge starting in 2022. No arrests have been made in this recent case, though those identified in earlier incidents faced minor charges that were mostly dismissed or declined.

Detectives continue to review video footage from the scene as part of their ongoing inquiry. They have connected these activities to a scavenging culture seen in countries like Venezuela, which contributed to the influx of nationals involved in these underground activities.

Matt McCann, a local construction worker, has observed these individuals before and described their appearance and equipment.

"I don't know what the hell they're doing down there because they get the waders on. You know, they got their coal miners caps going on," McCann said.

City officials emphasize the danger and illegality of entering the sewer system. A spokesperson for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) outlined the risks involved.

"DEP works closely with our public safety partners to help ensure the safety and security of critical infrastructure throughout New York City. Entering the sewer system is both illegal and extremely dangerous. Sewers can contain numerous hazards, including noxious and potentially deadly gases, unstable surfaces, flooding risks, and confined spaces. For these reasons, members of the public should never enter a pipe, drain, catch basin, manhole, or outfall," the DEP spokesperson said.

New York City's sewer system consists of approximately 7,400 miles of wastewater and stormwater pipes, some dating back to the 1800s.

Earlier this summer, surveillance videos captured similar incidents in Brooklyn and Queens, where individuals were seen exiting the sewer system. Four arrests were made in those cases, including incidents in Williamsburg and Gravesend in May, with the individuals admitting to scavenging for valuables.

While there was at least one arrest related to a Queens incident, charges were not pursued.