ICE Alters Tactics: Families Detained in New Strategy at 26 Federal Plaza

UPDATE: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has adopted a controversial new tactic, now detaining entire families at 26 Federal Plaza for questioning. This shift comes just after a violent raid on Canal Street last Tuesday, heightening fears within the immigrant community in Lower Manhattan.

In a disturbing trend observed last week, masked ICE agents began rounding up families as they exited courtrooms, escalating already high tensions. Sources reveal that this new approach involves less physical confrontation, with agents opting for stealthier operations instead. This tactic appears designed to deflect media scrutiny while still enforcing aggressive detentions.

Witnesses reported a chilling incident involving a Russian man and his family, who were stopped immediately after leaving a courtroom on October 23, 2023. Despite initial reassurances from one agent that they would not be detained, another agent quickly intervened, stating, “We need to ask you some questions.” The family was then ushered into an elevator, leaving their fate uncertain.

Witness accounts detail a similar scenario occurring shortly thereafter. A father and his young daughter were also taken into an elevator, raising alarms among onlookers, including press photographers. One agent attempted to obstruct their documentation of the event, further complicating the situation.

On the same day, a woman awaiting an elevator was approached by federal officers who rifled through her paperwork. Although she was eventually released, the experience left her in tears, highlighting the emotional toll of these encounters.

This new strategy comes in stark contrast to previous months, where ICE employed physical arrests, often resulting in individuals being wrestled to the ground in plain sight. According to a court observer, identified only as Peter, the practice of detaining entire families is “extremely concerning.” He stated, “Detaining entire families, even temporarily, represents a serious escalation of tactics.”

In response to these alarming developments, Congressman Dan Goldman made an unexpected visit to immigration court on October 23, confronting ICE agents and demanding to see their badges and organizational identification. Witnesses described a tense atmosphere as families streamed out of the courtroom, only to be halted by agents. A young father holding his child found himself suddenly besieged, prompting his wife to scream for mercy.

Press photographers and Congressman Goldman closely observed the scene, and thanks to their presence, the father was ultimately released, allowing the families to escape into the elevators in a panic, pushing and shoving to get inside. The chaos underscored the desperation felt by those at the center of these detentions.

Following this, City Comptroller Brad Lander also made a surprise appearance, aiming to keep the pressure on ICE and draw attention to the situation.

As families continue to face the threat of detention without clear resources or support, the implications of these new tactics are profound. This strategy raises urgent questions about the treatment of immigrants in the U.S. and the potential for families to “disappear into the ether of the federal plaza,” as highlighted by Peter.

NEXT: Advocates and local politicians are expected to continue monitoring the situation closely as these developments unfold. The community remains on high alert, fearing what might happen next as ICE’s tactics evolve.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.