NYC Gazette

Rep. Ritchie Torres, a member of the U.S. Congress representing New York's 15th district, has recently shared his thoughts on various issues through social media posts. Torres, who succeeded José E. Serrano in 2021, has been vocal about topics ranging from citizenship to public safety and infrastructure challenges in New York.

On January 23, 2025, Rep. Torres expressed a straightforward view on American citizenship by stating: "If you're born in America, you're an American. Period."

The following day, January 24, 2025, he highlighted concerns regarding judicial practices in New York State with regard to public safety risks posed by violent recidivists. He noted that "New York is the sole state where judges are prohibited from considering the public safety risk of violent recidivists like Waldo Mejia." He mentioned a specific incident involving Mejia and a young victim named Caleb Rijos.

Later that same day, Torres addressed issues related to infrastructure development in New York State. He criticized the state's handling of construction projects by pointing out that "The State of New York is increasingly incapable of building anything without massive cost overruns and long delays." As an example, he cited the ongoing issues with the eastern steps of the state Capitol building.