Four ICE Raids In Brooklyn In Four Days

SUNSET PARK/MIDWOOD – Two doors were knocked on by ICE officials today. One in Sunset Park and one in Midwood. Neither families opened the doors, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) confirmed with Bklyner. There were also two ICE raids reported in Sunset Park on Saturday.

This morning, Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted, “We have credible reports of ICE activity early this morning in Midwood and Sunset Park. No reported arrests. Staff from @NYCImmigrants are on the ground and have spoken with witnesses and shared resources. We’re monitoring closely and making sure residents know their rights. More information as we get it.”

According to MOIA, there were no confirmed reports of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) encounters on Sunday, July 14 and Monday, July 15. On Saturday, July 13, though– a day before President Donald Trump’s scheduled massive ICE raids— “two attempts of ICE enforcement activity” took place in Sunset Park. Ground witnesses had reported the accounts to MOIA, which they then verified. There were no reported arrests and ICE left the scene shortly after, MOIA confirmed.

“We are working both on the ground and with numerous community partners to monitor, share, and respond to ICE activities throughout the five boroughs as they are reported through multiple rapid response hotlines,” Bitta Mostofi, Commissioner of MOIA said. “In the face of heartless raids that would tear families apart, we remain steadfast in our commitment to support and defend immigrant communities.”

The latest raids come two days after a protest against ICE in Sunset Park on Sunday, July 14, where over a hundred people gathered to denounce ICE in their neighborhood.

Volunteers, neighbors, MOIA officials, and local politicians have been on the ground throughout the borough, especially in Sunset Park and Bay Ridge, handing out flyers and letting community members know their rights. In Bushwick, MAYDAY Space, which is an organizing center, is working with Iglesias Santa Cruz and Bushwick Abbey, to provide people a refuge against the ICE raids, Bushwick Daily reported.

If anyone sees ICE agents in their neighborhood, contact the ActionNYC hotline by calling 311 and saying “ActionNYC.” Or email reportraids@moia.nyc.gov. The safest thing to do is to not open your door.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) provides the following tips if you believe you are in danger:

Police or ICE are at my home

How to reduce risk to yourself:

• Stay calm and keep the door closed. Opening the door does not give them permission to come inside, but it is safer to speak to ICE through the door.

What to do when the police or ICE arrive:

• Ask if they are immigration agents and what they are there for.
• Ask the agent or officer to show you a badge or identification through the window or peephole.
• Ask if they have a warrant signed by a judge. If they say they do, ask them to slide it under the door or hold it up to a window so you can inspect it.
• Don’t lie or produce any false documents. Don’t sign anything without speaking with a lawyer first.
• Do not open your door unless ICE shows you a judicial search or arrest warrant naming a person in your residence and/or areas to be searched at your address. If they don’t produce a warrant, keep the door closed. State: “I do not consent to your entry.”
• If agents force their way in, do not resist. If you wish to exercise your rights, state: “I do not consent to your entry or to your search of these premises. I am exercising my right to remain silent. I wish to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.”
• If you are on probation with a search condition, law enforcement is allowed to enter your home.

Your rights:

• You have the right to remain silent, even if the officer has a warrant.
• You do not have to let police or immigration agents into your home unless they have certain kinds of warrants.
• If the police have an arrest warrant, they are legally allowed to enter the home of the person on the warrant if they believe that person is inside. But a warrant of removal/deportation (Form I-205) does not allow officers to enter a home without consent.

I’ve been stopped by police or ICE

How to reduce risk to yourself:

• Stay calm and do not resist or obstruct the agents or officers.
• Do not lie or give false documents.
• Prepare yourself and your family in case you are arrested.
• Memorize the phone numbers of your family and your lawyer.
• Make emergency plans if you have children or take medication.

Your rights:

• You have the right to remain silent. If you wish to exercise that right, say so out loud.
• You do not have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings, but police may pat down your clothing if they suspect a weapon.
• If you are arrested by police, you have the right to a government-appointed lawyer.
• If you are detained by ICE, you have the right to consult with a lawyer, but the government is not required to provide one for you. You can ask for a list of free or low-cost alternatives.
• You do not have to answer questions about where you were born, whether you are a U.S. citizen, or how you entered the country. (Separate rules apply at international borders and airports and for individuals on certain nonimmigrant visas, including tourists and business travelers.)

What to do if you are arrested or detained:

• Say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Don’t give any explanations or excuses. Don’t say anything, sign anything, or make any decisions without a lawyer.
• If you have been arrested by the police, you have the right to make a local phone call. The police cannot listen if you call a lawyer.
• If you have been detained by ICE, you have the right to contact your consulate or have an officer inform the consulate of your detention.
• Remember your immigration number (“A” number) and give it to your family. It will help family members locate you.
• Keep a copy of your immigration documents with someone you trust.
• If you are a non-citizen: Ask your lawyer about the effect of a criminal conviction or plea on your immigration status. Don’t discuss your immigration status with anyone but your lawyer. While you are in jail, an immigration agent may visit you. Do not answer questions or sign anything before talking to a lawyer. Read all the papers fully. If you do not understand or cannot read the papers, tell the officer you need an interpreter.

If you believe your rights were violated:

• Write down everything you remember, including officers’ badges and patrol car numbers, which agency the officers were from, and any other details. Get the contact information for witnesses.
• If you’re injured, seek medical attention immediately and take photographs of your injuries.
• File a written complaint with the agency’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board. In most cases, you can file a complaint anonymously if you wish.

I need a lawyer

Your rights:

• If you are arrested by the police, you have the right to a government-appointed lawyer and should ask for one immediately.
• If arrested, you have the right to a private phone call within a reasonable time of your arrest, and police may not listen to the call if it is made to a lawyer.
• If you are detained by ICE or Border Patrol, you have the right to hire a lawyer, but the government does not have to provide one for you. Ask for a list of free or low-cost alternatives.
• If you are detained, you have the right to call a lawyer or your family, and you have the right to be visited by a lawyer in detention. You have the right to have your attorney with you at any hearing before an immigration judge.

For more information and resources, visit ACLU.