As the sightings of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) increase drastically, immigrant defense networks are urging community members to memorize their rights. The presence of ICE is creating a sense of fear in immigrant communities. Michael Prohaska, Business Manager of the Mason Tenders District Council of Greater New York and Laborers Local 79 said, “Immigrants are a part of the fabric of society and make New York the vibrant state we all call home.”
ICE is the main federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws. ICE plays an important role in identifying, detaining and deporting undocumented immigrants. ICE was created in 2003 after the 9/11 attacks. ICE is a part of the Department of Homeland Security. ICE has grown tremendously into a multi-billion dollar force. While supporters argue ICE is essential for national safety and public security, critics and activists have raised concerns over the agency’s aggressive tactics, prompting nationwide debates about its role and calls for reform.
One student that goes to Brooklyn Academy of Science and the Environment said, “I saw ICE before. They were in groups of 4, they took the parents and left the kids at home. Now who is going to take care of the kids”. Seeing families separated like that shows the real impact of actions taken by the group beyond laws and policies. It is not just about rules, it is about real people and real families. Children depend on their parents for love, protection, and stability. When that support is suddenly removed, it can leave emotional and practical challenges that can last their lifetime. Children may also struggle in school because they are distracted by worry and sadness. This shows how communities are affected and how important it is to consider the well-being of children in difficult situations like this.
According to a poll from pbs.org it states that 65% of the population and state governments believe that ICE should have more restrictions on what they can do, because ICE agents seem to think that they have free reign and have the right to do whatever they want. Some state
governments have made rules that prevent local police departments from aiding ICE in any capacity. Multiple states such as California, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, Oregon, Delaware, Washington, and Maryland prohibit or restrict local law enforcement from aiding ICE. This is seen as a “sanctuary” policy to build trust in the community, specifically the immigrant communities. This helps focus local police department resources on local public safety and not put on working with federal agents.
