CUNY Professor Warns Queer Men of Alleged Amtrak Sting Targeting Gay Men at NYC’s Penn Station

Yesterday, the LGBTQ+ community in New York City was rocked by a warning issued by Jared Trujillo, a respected CUNY professor and civil rights lawyer, via TikTok. Trujillo’s message alleged that Amtrak police are conducting sting operations at Penn Station, using the hook-up app Sniffies to target and arrest gay men under charges of lewdness—even in cases where their interactions on the app are innocuous .

According to Trujillo, the operation consists of undercover Amtrak officers creating profiles on Sniffies, an app popular among queer men for arranging meet-ups, with the intent to lure users into conversations and eventual in-person encounters. Upon arrival at Penn Station for what individuals believe is a consensual meet-up, they are confronted and arrested by police on charges of public lewdness. The lawyer emphasized that arrests are reportedly happening “even if their response is innocuous”—meaning, users may be criminalized for simply engaging in conversation, not for explicit or unlawful conduct .

At this time, official statements from Amtrak Police or NYPD have not confirmed or denied the allegations, and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups are seeking further clarification and transparency from law enforcement agencies .

Trujillo’s TikTok quickly gained traction within LGBTQ+ circles, prompting widespread concern about the safety of queer men using dating and hook-up apps in public spaces. Many have drawn parallels to historic police tactics that disproportionately targeted LGBTQ+ people, such as the entrapment methods used in public bathrooms and parks throughout the late 20th century, which often resulted in criminal charges for otherwise consensual or private behavior .

LGBTQ+ advocates warn that such policing strategies reinforce stigma and fear, potentially deterring individuals from seeking community and connection through digital platforms. Civil rights organizations have called for thorough investigations and safeguards to ensure law enforcement does not engage in discriminatory targeting of marginalized groups, and several legal experts have questioned the constitutionality of arresting individuals based on app conversations alone .

The alleged sting operation raises complex questions about privacy, digital entrapment, and the proper limits of law enforcement. Legal scholars note that while police have long used undercover tactics to investigate crimes, the use of social apps to target specific communities—especially based on sexual orientation—may constitute unlawful discrimination and violate civil rights protections. If confirmed, these practices could be challenged in court for violating the Equal Protection Clause and New York’s anti-discrimination statutes .

Trujillo, who has a history of legal advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, highlighted the chilling effect that such operations can have on free expression and community-building. He urged queer men in New York to exercise caution when engaging with strangers via apps in public settings, and called for broader conversations around policing, privacy, and consent .

National LGBTQ+ organizations, including Lambda Legal and the Human Rights Campaign, have previously condemned police tactics that target queer people under the guise of public decency laws, noting the disproportionate impact on men who have sex with men, transgender individuals, and other marginalized groups . The American Civil Liberties Union has also advocated for the decriminalization of consensual sexual activity and the protection of privacy in digital communications .

Community leaders are urging anyone who believes they may have been targeted or arrested in such a sting to seek legal counsel and contact LGBTQ+ legal aid organizations for support. Trujillo’s message underscores the importance of knowing one’s rights, documenting all interactions on dating apps, and reporting incidents of police misconduct to oversight bodies .

The alleged use of the Sniffies app by law enforcement highlights a broader trend of police utilizing digital platforms to conduct investigations and operations. Experts warn that as dating and social apps become central to queer social life, their vulnerability to misuse by authorities must be addressed through robust privacy protections and transparent policing policies. App developers are encouraged to implement safety features and educate users about potential risks, especially when arranging public meet-ups .

The LGBTQ+ community continues to advocate for the responsible use of technology, the protection of user data, and the prohibition of discriminatory law enforcement practices. Many believe increased oversight and community engagement are essential to prevent future incidents and maintain trust in digital platforms.

As the story develops, calls for official inquiry and accountability grow louder. Trujillo’s warning has prompted renewed dialogue about the intersection of technology, queer safety, and law enforcement in urban centers like New York. While the full scope and details of the alleged Penn Station sting remain under investigation, the incident has underscored the urgent need for vigilance, solidarity, and ongoing advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights.

Individuals who feel unsafe or have questions about their legal rights are encouraged to consult resources such as Lambda Legal, the New York City Anti-Violence Project, and other trusted LGBTQ+ organizations for guidance and support.