UPDATE: In a shocking shift, ICE agents are now detaining entire families at 26 Federal Plaza for questioning, intensifying fears following last Tuesday’s chaotic raid on Canal Street. Witnesses report that this new tactic, marked by stealth rather than physical force, is fostering an atmosphere of panic among families attending immigration court.
Just last week, masked agents were seen rounding up families immediately after they left the courtroom, a strategy that has transformed the nature of ICE enforcement in New York City. According to sources, the change aims to divert media scrutiny while still executing detentions. In one instance, a Russian family—consisting of a father, mother, and their small children—was stopped just outside the courtroom, only to be ushered into an elevator for questioning. Their fate remains uncertain, raising alarm about the implications of such detentions.
Witnesses observed another family being approached minutes later, with a father holding his young daughter being pulled aside. As photojournalists captured the moment, agents attempted to shield their actions from view, highlighting the new approach of minimizing physical confrontation while still executing detentions.
One woman, who had been waiting for an elevator, broke down in tears after being questioned by federal officers, only to be released without further action. Such encounters are becoming increasingly common, as masked agents blend into the surroundings, creating a chilling atmosphere for those in the immigration court.
This change in tactics follows months of aggressive arrests that included physical confrontations. Peter, an observer at the court, expressed deep concern over these developments: “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 for support.”
In response to these alarming developments, Congressman Dan Goldman made an unannounced visit to the immigration court on October 23, confronting several masked agents and demanding to see their identification. His presence underscored the growing scrutiny on ICE’s operations as families poured out of the courtroom, desperately trying to evade agents positioned nearby.
One father, cradling his child, experienced a harrowing moment when he was detained, prompting his wife to scream for help. The emotional scene drew the attention of press photographers and Congressman Goldman, who witnessed the distress and urgency of the situation firsthand. Fortunately, the agents eventually released the father, allowing families to escape to safety.
As pressure mounts on political figures to address these alarming tactics, City Comptroller Brad Lander also made a surprise appearance at the immigration court on Friday, reinforcing the call for accountability in ICE’s operations. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated, as families live in fear of being detained without notice.
This developing situation raises critical questions about the future of immigration enforcement and the treatment of families within the system. With each passing day, the stakes grow higher as more families find themselves caught in the crosshairs of ICE’s shifting tactics.
As this story unfolds, we will continue to monitor the situation closely, providing updates on any new developments. It is imperative to stay informed and aware of the ongoing challenges faced by immigrant families in the United States.
