ICE Separates More Families in Lower Manhattan

Introduction to the Crisis

Dozens of masked ICE agents were back in immigration court on Tuesday rapidly vanishing immigrants from their legally mandated court hearings and leaving devastated families in their wake.

Photo by Dean Moses

The Human Cost

The mother of a six-year-girl broke down in tears outside of 26 Federal Plaza as her daughter asked: “Where’s my daddy?” The pair had been waiting for the patriarch to return from his court appointment but he never came back. It was only later that the mother was told that her husband had been detained by mysterious masked men. Unable to control her emotions, she broke down in tears and was comforted by those who attended the immigration proceedings.

Response from Public Figures

“We want to make sure we remember the humanity of what’s happening. Make sure things happen transparently,” Public Advocate Jumaane Williams said after witnessing a slew of ICE detainments. “These are human beings.” Williams joined New York City Comptroller Brad Lander and several activists from the New Sanctuary Coalition as they watched ICE scoop up immigrants in both 26 Federal Plaza and 290 Broadway. The Feds not only wore masks, some tied scarves around their faces and donned black sunglasses on top of that.

The Scene Unfolds

The mother of a six-year-girl broke down in tears outside of 26 Federal Plaza as her daughter asked: “where’s my daddy?”
Photo by Dean Moses
Jumaane Williams and Brad Lander enter court.
Photo by Dean Moses

Criticism and Concerns

“Cowards,” some workers scoffed as they passed the armed agents. They laid in wait outside of courtrooms, pouncing as people left. One man could be seen performing the sign of the cross over his body as he made his way through the legion — others were not so lucky. One man was pushed into an elevator while another was yanked into a stairwell.

Visits and Reactions

This marked the 6th visit for Brad Lander and the first back to Federal Plaza since ICE arrested him on June 17. Lander said that each visit becomes more horrifying than the last.

The Quota System

According to those who have witnessed proceedings, ICE appears to be now just trying to reach a quota set by Trump and is detaining those who still have active cases and, in some circumstances, even before they saw a judge.

The Impact on Families

Through it all the Public Advocate looked to remind the world that it is not only the people abducted by ICE who are suffering but also the ones left behind.
“This little girl probably doesn’t even know what’s happened to her father yet,” Williams said.
Masked ICE agents arrested a man on July 8.
Photo by Dean Moses
ICE matches this man to a photo they have on their phone.
Photo by Dean Moses
This man is marched down a hallway and into an elevator.
Photo by Dean Moses
“This little girl probably doesn’t even know what’s happened to her father yet,” Williams said.
Photo by Dean Moses

Conclusion

The separation of families by ICE in Lower Manhattan has sparked outrage and concern among public figures and activists. The use of masked agents and the targeting of individuals with active cases have raised questions about the humanity and transparency of the immigration system. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential to remember the impact on families and the importance of upholding the rule of law.

FAQs

• Q: What happened to the immigrants at the court hearings?
  A: Dozens of masked ICE agents detained immigrants from their legally mandated court hearings.
• Q: How did the families react to the detainments?
  A: Families were left devastated, with one mother breaking down in tears as her six-year-old daughter asked, “Where’s my daddy?”
• Q: What did Public Advocate Jumaane Williams say about the situation?
  A: Williams emphasized the importance of remembering the humanity of what’s happening and ensuring transparency in the immigration proceedings.
• Q: What is the alleged reason behind ICE’s actions?
  A: According to witnesses, ICE appears to be trying to reach a quota set by Trump, detaining individuals with active cases and even before they see a judge.