What to Know
- Ahead of the massive ICE raids that are expected to begin Sunday, a NY senator has published an emergency guide for immigrants
- Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris issued the emergency guide for New Yorkers facing deportation.
- The handout outlines for individuals and families how to handle potential visits from immigration enforcement agents
Ahead of the massive ICE raids targeting thousands of families that are expected to begin Sunday, hundreds of immigrant advocates held a vigil in Manhattan, protesting nationwide government crackdown.
The protesters in downtown Foley Square demanded Friday that President Donald Trump shut down detention centers where migrants are living in overcrowded, squalid conditions.
The arrests in major cities — including New York — are to start Sunday, led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Protesters urged people who are targets to hide during sweeps that Trump said would continue after this weekend.
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio has said his city would not cooperate with ICE. And New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo urged New Yorkers needing immigration help to contact the New York State New Americans Hotline.
A New York senator has even published an emergency guide for immigrants.
Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris issued the emergency guide which outlines for individuals and families in New York how to handle potential visits from immigration enforcement agents.
“ICE is carrying out a destructive federal policy tearing families apart and I will do whatever is needed to help New Yorkers fight this tragic policy,” Gianaris said in a statement. “I hope this guide serves as a resource for families to protect themselves against divisive and threatening federal policies.”
An Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation to arrest thousands of undocumented immigrants in major cities, including New York, is scheduled to begin Sunday after it had been postponed by President Donald Trump over two weeks ago, two senior officials with the Department of Homeland Security confirmed to NBC News.
Local
At least 2,000 immigrant families, including many who face final deportation orders yet remain in the country illegally, are expected to be targeted in the operation, the unnamed officials said.
Gianaris has been an outspoken advocate against ICE’s treatment of undocumented New Yorkers. Last year, he called for abolishing ICE. He also authored legislation to ban discrimination based on immigration status and to prevent the use of Port Authority police from participating in federal anti-immigrant travel bans.
The resource guide is available in both English and Spanish. To access the guide, click here.
