In New York City, volunteers are proactively tracking activities of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. They are leveraging social media platforms like Instagram and various hotlines to share information about ICE sightings across the city.
Operating under the name NYC ICE Watch, this grassroots organization claims to have assembled hundreds of volunteers from diverse neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs. On April 15, the Bushwick Group allowed NY1 to monitor their activities under the condition that the identities of their members remain confidential due to fears of retaliation from ICE and their employers.
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Volunteers across NYC unite in efforts to prevent immigration authorities from detaining migrants.
NY1 has been closely following one group, NYC ICE Watch, which is at the forefront of these initiatives.
In response to inquiries about the group’s activities, an ICE spokesperson emphasized the protection of lawful speech and assembly, asserting that ICE is committed to enforcing regulations established by Congress.
A member of NYC ICE Watch, driving their Sprinter van, stated, “We’re going to check locations where ICE has previously staged operations.” Although no ICE agents were present on that day, the group stands ready to alert communities if they observe ICE activity in Brooklyn’s Bushwick neighborhood.
During a recent operation, volunteers and local residents surrounded an ICE vehicle containing a detained individual. While the group’s members refrained from disclosing the man’s or his attorney’s identities, they reported that he has since been released and reunited with his family. In response to the incident, an ICE spokesperson asserted that the individual had entered the U.S. illegally and accused demonstrators of obstructing law enforcement, labeling the actions as a federal crime.
According to the Deportation Data Project, a nonprofit organization that compiles immigration statistics, ICE’s New York City division has arrested over 9,600 individuals since the inception of the Trump administration. Remarkably, only about 20% of those arrested faced charges unrelated to immigration violations. Government officials provided no comments concerning these statistics.
One volunteer, who joined NYC ICE Watch shortly after moving to the city six months ago, expressed pride in exercising his First Amendment rights, particularly as the child of an immigrant who became a U.S. citizen. He remarked, “I participate in these activities before heading to my regular job. Participants come from various backgrounds.”
The group noted its findings indicate that ICE tends to conduct arrests in the morning, while the FBI typically operates in the late afternoon and early evening. The FBI has declined to comment on this observation, directing media inquiries to immigration authorities. One member highlighted their rapid response capabilities, stating, “Thanks to our strong network, we can mobilize quickly to document incidents and alert neighbors to potential ICE actions.”
On April 15, while there was no direct interaction with ICE, the group distributed flyers to educate the community about their rights. Tupac, who has been active with NYC ICE Watch since its formation six years ago, believes in the importance of preparedness, noting, “It only takes one incident to cause harm, so we stay vigilant and wear masks.” The movement gained traction during the heightened visibility of anti-ICE demonstrations in Minneapolis and in the wake of tragic events involving community members.
Michael Alcazar, a former NYPD detective and adjunct professor at John Jay College, acknowledges the volunteers’ right to protest, but cautions against potentially obstructive actions. “ICE officers are not equipped for crowd control. If they feel threatened, they may respond more aggressively than local police,” Alcazar explained. An ICE spokesperson reiterated the agency’s commitment to upholding laws and ensuring the safety of American citizens from serious criminal activities, asserting, “ICE will continue to carry out its enforcement responsibilities.”
Amidst this ongoing tension, volunteers like Tupac emphasize that their mission is rooted in community protection. “Fear is their weapon, and we refuse to let it dictate our lives,” he stated. As an American citizen with immigrant roots, he sees their work as a public service, aiming to empower immigrant communities with knowledge and support.
NYC ICE Watch remains firm in its commitment to advocating for reforms, aspiring towards a definitive end to ICE operations, irrespective of the prevailing political landscape.
