UPDATE: Two NYPD officers sustained minor injuries during a tense encounter with federal immigration agents in Washington Heights on July 12, 2023. This incident unfolded early Wednesday morning as local residents reported seeing four armed men pulling people from their vehicles, prompting police to respond urgently.
According to the NYPD, officers quickly mobilized in the area after 911 calls flooded in. They spotted a crowd pursuing an individual near 164th St. and Broadway and leapt from their vehicles to intervene, only to discover they were confronting federal immigration agents from ICE. The agents, while wearing vests identifying themselves, had concealed this identification beneath their sweatshirts, adding to the confusion.
The extent of injuries to the NYPD officers remains unspecified, but they were treated promptly at the scene by emergency medical services. A spokesperson for ICE has not yet provided comments on the situation.
City Councilmember Shaun Abreu, who represents the Washington Heights area, condemned the operation, calling it “deeply disturbing.” He shared a video on social media showing a separate incident around the same time, where federal agents forcibly removed a man from a car at 157th and Broadway. Witness Peter Green, who filmed the video, stated that NYPD officers arrived minutes after the agents had departed with the individual.
Abreu criticized the actions of ICE, stating, “I condemn this despicable pattern of intimidation,” emphasizing that the use of federal agencies to detain individuals without due process is unacceptable in New York City.
This incident raises significant concerns among residents and officials alike, highlighting the ongoing tensions between local authorities and federal immigration policies. As the situation develops, community members are urged to remain vigilant and report any similar actions.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates regarding the injuries to the officers and the outcomes of the ongoing ICE operations in the area. Residents are encouraged to stay informed as new developments emerge in this urgent situation.
