New York ICE raids spark controversy amidst federal collaboration
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out raids in New York on Tuesday, focusing on undocumented immigrants. Local police supported the operation, and NBC reported it. These actions form part of the Trump administration's strategy to increase deportations.
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was present during an arrest in the Highbridge neighbourhood in the Bronx. The Furman Centre at New York University noted that the crime rate in this area is higher than the citywide average.
Although city regulations prohibit police from engaging in immigration law enforcement, New York officers were part of the Department of Homeland Security’s task force.
The arrested individual was wanted for serious crimes, including kidnapping and assault.
"We will not hesitate to partner with federal authorities"
New York City Mayor Eric Adams emphasised that the city will collaborate with federal authorities to bring violent criminals to justice.
- We will not hesitate to partner with federal authorities to bring violent criminals to justice — just as we have done for years. Our commitment to protecting our city’s law-abiding residents, both citizens and immigrants, remains unwavering - argued New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
President of the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), Murad Awawdeh, condemned the enforcement actions as a "publicity raid." He published photos and videos of Noem in a bulletproof vest, leading the operation in the Bronx.
- No matter how the Trump administration spins this enforcement, it is not about public safety — it is about instilling fear in our immigrant communities - Awawdeh, quoted by NBC, argued.
