Immigrant NYers Left out of COVID-19 Response Planning, Launch “New York United” Campaign for Immigrant Communities

New York, NY—Today, immigrant advocates, community leaders and elected officials came together to demand the inclusion of immigrant communities in COVID-19 response planning by the city, state and federal governments, and call for the implementation of specific policy and budget proposals as outlined in the "New York United" platform to ensure New York’s immigrants are protected and empowered during this crisis.

Trump Declares National Emergency, Torpedoes Crucial Congressional Bill, While ICE Agents Escalate Enforcement Activities

New York, NY-Today, President Trump declared a national emergency and said he was making $50 billion in emergency funding available, lifting restrictions on doctors and hospitals and waiving interest on student loans. But he rejected a sweeping House economic relief package that would have included paid sick leave, free virus tests, and expanded food security.

As City Responds to Coronavirus, Immigration Advocates Highlight Importance of School Meals, Other Supports for Low-Income and Immigrant NYers 

New York, NY—As part of New York City’s response to COVID-19, the city closed two South Bronx schools Thursday morning and additional schools on Friday. In response to this situation, Kim Sykes, Director of Education Policy, New York Immigration Coalition issued the following statement:

“We applaud Mayor de Blasio, Chancellor Carranza, and City Council leaders for recognizing that many New York families rely on schools for more than their children's educational needs, including  access to health care, meals, and other essential supports.

Leaked CBP Document Show ICE and CBP Granted Extraordinary Powers During Pandemic Including Indefinite Surveillance and Detention

Washington, DC-A leaked Customs and Border Protection directive allows the agency to actively surveil and detain individuals suspected of carrying illness—indefinitely. The document, obtained by The Nation, is titled “Operations Plan for Pandemic Response” and was drafted during the avian flu pandemic of 2007. The plan describes CBP and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) overseeing potential tent cities of quarantined detainees at the border and coordinating with unspecified intelligence agencies—both foreign and domestic—as well as the Pentagon.