Countering critiques of Congressman Torres

To the editor,

In “A Critique of Ritchie Torres’ Choices as Congressman,” Mr. Alcaide charges that the congressman has “taken part in decisions that have harmed his constituents in the 15th District or called into question his motives to represent the Bronx.” Mr. Alcaide then goes on to name two areas in which Congressman Torres has allegedly failed his constituents: immigration and AIPAC.

Mr. Alcaide bases his argument on the fact that Ritchie Torres, in 2025, voted yes on the Laken Riley Act, which expands authority to deport immigrants for nonviolent crimes. Mr. Alcaide would have us believe that this act is anti-immigrant. What it is, in fact, is anti-crime. Mr. Alcaide chooses to overlook that nonviolent crime is still crime, and that U.S. citizenship is not an entitlement — it entails certain responsibilities, obligations, and values.

On the basis of this vote, Mr. Alcaide goes on to argue that Congressman Torres has aligned himself with White House immigration policies. This is not true. The reality is that Congressman Torres has served his community honestly, productively, righteously, articulately and passionately, in service to all of his constituents, whether in the South Bronx or Riverdale.

The facts are that Congressman Torres has been a public housing advocate. He secured a $3 billion FEMA investment for public housing repairs — the largest in New York City history. He has focused on increasing accountability for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement by introducing the Quick Response Act. This 2026 legislation proposes requiring ICE agents to wear QR codes on their uniforms displaying their name and badge number, aiming to unmask agents during enforcement actions. He also sponsored the “There Are No Secret Police Act,” mandating that ICE agents wear body cameras during the detention of immigrants. In addition, he has supported investigations into conditions in Louisiana ICE detention facilities.

Then there is the matter of AIPAC. The writer’s stance on AIPAC subtly suggests that Congressman Torres is in AIPAC’s pay because it is his largest contributor. If this sounds suspiciously similar to claims made by Michael Blake, the former state legislator running against Ritchie Torres in the upcoming primary, it is. Blake has accused Torres of putting Israel’s military interests ahead of addressing the district’s affordability crisis. Interestingly, Blake had been an avid supporter of — and presenter at — AIPAC for years, but, for reasons unknown, made a 180-degree reversal after the Oct. 7 Hamas massacre in Israel. There is a story there.

Mr. Alcaide’s hit piece is so replete with half-truths, omissions, dishonesty and innuendo that it gives one pause — even in this age of disinformation.

ISAAC GELD