Nearly 200 men arrested in New York Penn Station gay cruising crackdown
– 2 min read
Nearly 200 men have been arrested since June in a controversial crackdown on gay cruising at Penn Station in New York.
The arrests, carried out by the federally operated Amtrak Police Department, have centred on the men’s public toilets near the Eighth Avenue and 31st Street entrance. The location has reportedly become a hotspot for users of hookup apps such as Sniffies, prompting undercover officers to patrol the area, often hiding in stalls or posing at urinals to catch individuals allegedly engaging in public lewdness or indecent exposure.
Amtrak Deputy Police Chief Martin Conway confirmed the operation, stating, “Naturally, we are going to address the conditions. We continue to patrol the restrooms and if and when we find any criminal activity, we do make arrests.”
Among those detained was David, a 31-year-old healthcare worker, who said he was mistakenly arrested while simply using the restroom while wearing a rainbow wristband. “I was never arrested in my life. It was traumatising,” he told The City. His charges were later dropped.
Of the nearly 200 arrested, around 20 individuals were flagged with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainers and transferred into custody for deportation proceedings. Because Amtrak operates as a federal agency, it is not bound by New York State laws that prohibit cooperation with ICE.
The crackdown began at the start of Pride Month following public complaints, but critics argue the operation disproportionately targets gay men and raises serious concerns about entrapment and discriminatory policing. Advocacy groups and legal experts have questioned the use of plainclothes officers and body-worn cameras in restrooms, suggesting some arrests may have been based on perceived sexuality rather than actual criminal behaviour.
On 26 September, four New York lawmakers, including Rep. Jerry Nadler, issued a letter to Amtrak President Roger Harris condemning the arrests. They described the campaign as “reminiscent of anti-LGBTQ policing from the Stonewall era” and called for an immediate halt to the tactics being used.
In response, Amtrak stated that the increased patrols were aimed at reinforcing public safety and curbing disruptive activity. “Amtrak remains committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for all travellers,” the company said in a statement.
As the crackdown continues, users of Sniffies have reportedly begun warning others about police presence and suggesting alternative locations, such as the Moynihan Train Hall, which is not under Amtrak’s jurisdiction.
