UPDATE: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has shifted its approach, detaining entire families for questioning at 26 Federal Plaza in New York City. This new tactic follows public outrage over a violent ICE raid on Canal Street earlier this week.
In a startling development, ICE agents, now wearing masks, have begun rounding up families outside immigration court, raising alarms among advocates and observers. Reports indicate that this change comes in the wake of chaotic arrests that left many court attendees traumatized. The atmosphere in the Lower Manhattan immigration court has grown increasingly tense and fearful.
Witnesses report that on October 23, 2023, a Russian man, accompanied by his wife and two children, was stopped just after leaving a courtroom. Although one agent initially assured them they would not be detained, another agent quickly intervened, stating, “We need to ask you some questions.” The family was then ushered into an elevator, leaving their future uncertain.
Similar scenes unfolded throughout the day. A father holding his young daughter was also detained, causing his wife to plead for mercy amid a crowd of onlookers, including press photographers and Congressman Dan Goldman. After intense scrutiny, the agents released the family, but not without eliciting panic among others waiting to exit the courtroom.
Another woman, approached by federal officers while waiting for an elevator, broke down in tears after being questioned and rifled through her paperwork. The emotional toll of these interactions is evident, as many families fear they could disappear without a trace.
The shift in ICE’s strategy comes after months of aggressive enforcement, where individuals were often forcibly removed from courtrooms. Court observer Peter, who has been monitoring ICE activities, expressed serious concerns about the new practice of detaining families. “Detaining entire families, even temporarily, represents a serious escalation of tactics,” he stated. “When a family simply disappears into the ether of the federal plaza, they are left without crucial resources and support.”
In a bid to address these developments, Congressman Goldman visited the immigration court on the same day and confronted masked agents demanding identification. His unexpected presence highlighted the growing tension surrounding ICE’s operations in New York City.
On Friday, City Comptroller Brad Lander joined the push for accountability, appearing at immigration court to advocate for the detained families. The public pressure has intensified as community leaders and lawmakers work to expose and challenge ICE’s changing tactics.
As ICE continues its controversial approach, families remain on edge, fearing further detainment. The situation is developing rapidly, and advocates are calling for immediate reform to protect vulnerable individuals navigating the immigration system.
Next Steps: Advocates are urging for more transparency from ICE and support for affected families. Community leaders and politicians are expected to keep the pressure on federal agencies in the coming days. This situation remains critical, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.
