New York, NY—Today, New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), elected officials, member organizations, and community leaders held an emergency rally in response to this afternoon’s federal immigration raid on Canal Street in Manhattan's Chinatown. Federal agents from ICE and Homeland Security descended on the neighborhood and detained street vendors and community members.
Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition:
"Today’s raid on Canal Street was a horrifying display of federal overreach and authoritarian tactics. ICE descended on Manhattan's Chinatown with military-style vehicles, masked agents and riot gear to target street vendors trying to make a living. This operation had nothing to do with public safety and everything to do with terrorizing immigrant families and communities. Federal agents created a violent spectacle, tackling bystanders to the ground and using force against New Yorkers simply for doing what they do every day. Federal agents storming our streets and targeting peaceful community members is unacceptable. Instead of creating pathways for citizenship, restoring legal work authorizations or supporting the immigrant entrepreneurs who enrich our city and culture, the Trump administration and its lackeys are wasting taxpayer money to spread fear and traumatize our communities. This is exactly why our cities need to reinforce our sanctuary policies and why New York State must pass the New York for All Act to stop local police from colluding in these reckless federal enforcement tactics. Our communities deserve safety, dignity and due process – not fear and violence that tear families apart."