Key Takeaways
• ICE increased raids in New York City in June 2025, arresting immigrants at immigration court hearings.
• Protests erupted at Foley Square and Federal Plaza with at least nine arrests and use of pepper spray.
• Trump administration doubled ICE daily arrest quotas to 3,000, causing overcrowding in detention centers.
Federal Immigration Raids in New York City Spark Protests and Raise Concerns
Federal immigration enforcement in New York City 🇺🇸 has taken a sharp turn in June 2025, leading to a series of protests and public outcry. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids, especially those targeting immigrants at their mandatory court hearings, have drawn hundreds of demonstrators to places like Foley Square. These events are part of a broader national debate about immigration enforcement, legal rights, and the impact on immigrant communities.
What Happened: ICE Raids and Protests in New York City
In the first two weeks of June 2025, ICE increased its presence and activities in New York City 🇺🇸. Reports surfaced of ICE agents arresting immigrants as they attended their scheduled immigration court hearings. This new tactic, which started in late May, has caused fear and anger among immigrants and their supporters.
On Monday, June 10, 2025, hundreds of protesters gathered in Foley Square, a well-known spot for civic demonstrations in Lower Manhattan. They voiced their opposition to the stepped-up ICE raids and the Trump administration’s new travel ban. The protest included speeches from community leaders, including New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who called the travel ban “steeped in white supremacy.” Mario Bruzzone from the New York Immigration Coalition pointed out that 350,000 New Yorkers are from countries affected by this ban.
Just two days earlier, on Saturday, June 8, about 100 protesters assembled at Federal Plaza, another key location for immigration matters. The demonstration became tense when protesters tried to block a white van believed to be transporting detained immigrants. The NYPD intervened, using pepper spray and arresting at least nine people. Twelve summonses were issued, and several protesters were hospitalized due to injuries.
On the same day as the Foley Square protest, police arrested about two dozen protesters at Trump Tower in Manhattan. These events show that the protests are spreading across the city, not just limited to one area.
How ICE Raids Are Being Carried Out
Arrests at Immigration Courts
A major concern is the new ICE tactic of arresting people at their immigration court hearings. According to the Immigrant Defense Project, since May 29, 2025, ICE agents have been waiting at federal immigration courts in New York City 🇺🇸, including:
- 26 Federal Plaza
- 201 Varick Street
- 290 Broadway
ICE lawyers have reportedly asked immigration judges to “dismiss” cases against certain individuals. After the hearing, ICE agents detain these individuals in or near the courthouse, sometimes in elevators or lobbies as people exit. This has also happened at the Buffalo Immigration Court.
These actions are especially troubling because people are being arrested while following the law—attending their required hearings and check-ins.
Increased Arrest Quotas
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that the Trump administration has doubled ICE’s daily arrest quotas, now requiring officers to make 3,000 arrests per day across the country. This push has led to overcrowding in ICE detention centers, raising questions about the conditions for those being held.
Legal and Political Responses
Condemnation from Legal Groups
The Legal Aid Society, a major legal support group in New York City 🇺🇸, strongly criticized ICE’s actions. In a statement on June 10, they called the arrests at court hearings and ICE check-ins “a cruel tactic that undermines due process, instills fear in immigrant communities, and serves only to meet ICE’s arbitrary arrest and detention quotas.” They argued that these actions betray the trust of people who are doing what the immigration system asks of them.
Congressional and City Officials Respond
Over the weekend of June 8-9, Representatives Adriano Espaillat (D-Manhattan/Bronx) and Nydia Velázquez (D-Brooklyn/Queens) tried to inspect conditions at 26 Federal Plaza, where ICE was reportedly holding detainees. They were denied entry. Rep. Espaillat said he was consulting his legal team in Washington to see if denying access to a federal building was legal.
Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch have both said they want to avoid calling in the National Guard to handle protests. Commissioner Tisch explained, “I was on the phone all weekend with federal partners…we know how to police protests in a manner that maintains public safety and upholds the law.”
Legal Context: What Laws Apply?
Protect Our Courts Act (POCA)
New York State’s Protect Our Courts Act (POCA) was designed to stop ICE from making civil arrests in and around state courts, including city and municipal courts. However, POCA does not apply to federal immigration courts. This means ICE can still make arrests at places like 26 Federal Plaza, where immigration hearings are held.
New York City’s Sanctuary Laws
New York City 🇺🇸 has “sanctuary” laws that limit how much local agencies can help ICE. But these laws do not stop federal immigration enforcement at federal buildings. As a result, ICE can continue its operations at federal courthouses and facilities in the city.
For more information on the Protect Our Courts Act and how it works, readers can visit the New York State Senate’s official page on POCA.
National Context: Protests and Federal Response
The protests in New York City 🇺🇸 are part of a larger movement happening across the United States 🇺🇸. Similar demonstrations have taken place in:
- Los Angeles 🇺🇸, where the National Guard and about 700 Marines were deployed
- Santa Ana, California, where police reportedly used tear gas
- Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, Texas 🇺🇸
- Chicago, Washington D.C., and Seattle 🇺🇸
The Department of Homeland Security has taken a tough stance, calling the New York City 🇺🇸 protesters “rioters” in a social media post. The statement said, “Outside a federal law enforcement building in New York City, more than 150 rioters erupted to interfere with ICE’s immigration enforcement operations. Thankfully, unlike in Los Angeles, the local police department quickly responded to the riots.”
Impact on Immigrant Communities
Fear and Confusion
The new ICE raids have created a climate of fear among immigrants in New York City 🇺🇸. Many are afraid to attend their court hearings or check-ins, even though these are required by law. According to protesters and advocates, many of those being detained were simply following the rules.
One protester told NBC New York, “It’s a catch-22: these people are following the law, they are going to their hearings, their check-ups.” The Legal Aid Society echoed this, saying, “These are people who are doing exactly what our immigration system demands of them: following the rules, complying with orders, and participating in their proceedings in good faith. They are not a flight risk, and there has been no change in their circumstances. Targeting them in this way is a cruel betrayal of public trust.”
Community Response
Community groups, legal aid organizations, and immigrant advocates have stepped up their efforts to inform people of their rights and provide support. They are urging immigrants to know their legal options and to seek help if they are targeted by ICE.
Some organizations are offering “Know Your Rights” workshops and legal clinics. These resources help immigrants understand what to do if approached by ICE, how to respond to questions, and where to find legal assistance.
What Immigrants Should Know
If you or someone you know is required to attend an immigration court hearing in New York City 🇺🇸, it’s important to be aware of the current situation:
- ICE agents may be present at federal immigration courts.
- Arrests can happen in or near the courthouse, including in elevators and lobbies.
- Legal support is available from groups like the Legal Aid Society and the Immigrant Defense Project.
- You have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer.
- Do not sign any documents you do not understand.
For official information about immigration court hearings and your rights, visit the U.S. Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).
Implications for Stakeholders
Immigrants and Families
The most direct impact is on immigrants and their families. Many are now afraid to attend court, which can lead to missed hearings and possible deportation orders. Families are being separated, and children are left without parents.
Legal and Advocacy Groups
Legal groups are under pressure to provide more support and representation. They are also challenging ICE’s tactics in court, arguing that these actions violate due process and basic fairness.
City and State Officials
Local officials are caught between federal enforcement and the need to protect their residents. While they have passed laws to limit cooperation with ICE, their power is limited at federal buildings.
Federal Government
The Trump administration has made it clear that it will continue to push for higher arrest numbers and stricter enforcement. This has led to tension between federal and local authorities, as well as ongoing legal battles.
The Road Ahead: Ongoing Protests and Legal Challenges
The situation in New York City 🇺🇸 is still changing. More protests are planned, and legal challenges to ICE’s tactics are moving through the courts. Community groups are calling for more protections for immigrants and for changes to federal policies.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these events highlight the growing divide between federal immigration enforcement and local efforts to protect immigrant communities. The outcome of these protests and legal battles could shape how immigration laws are enforced in New York City 🇺🇸 and across the United States 🇺🇸 for years to come.
Practical Steps for Immigrants and Supporters
If you are worried about ICE raids or know someone who may be affected, here are some practical steps:
- Stay informed: Follow updates from trusted sources like the Legal Aid Society, the Immigrant Defense Project, and local news outlets.
- Know your rights: Attend a “Know Your Rights” workshop or download materials from legal aid organizations.
- Have a plan: If you are at risk, make a safety plan with your family and keep important documents in a safe place.
- Seek legal help: If you are detained or approached by ICE, ask to speak to a lawyer before answering any questions.
- Support your community: Join local advocacy efforts, attend protests if you feel safe, and help spread accurate information.
Conclusion
The recent ICE raids in New York City 🇺🇸, especially those targeting immigrants at their court hearings, have sparked a wave of protests and raised serious questions about fairness and due process. With hundreds gathering at Foley Square and other locations, the city has become a focal point in the national debate over immigration enforcement.
While federal laws allow ICE to operate in federal courthouses, the impact on immigrant communities is profound. Fear, confusion, and family separation are real consequences. Legal and advocacy groups continue to fight for the rights of immigrants, while city officials try to balance public safety and community trust.
As the situation develops, it is important for immigrants, their families, and supporters to stay informed, know their rights, and seek help when needed. For those facing immigration court hearings, official information and resources are available through the U.S. Department of Justice’s EOIR.
The events in New York City 🇺🇸 are part of a larger national story, one that will continue to unfold in the coming months. By staying engaged and informed, all stakeholders can help shape a fairer and more just immigration system.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a federal agency enforcing immigration laws and deportations.
Foley Square → A public plaza in Lower Manhattan known for civic protests and political demonstrations.
Protect Our Courts Act (POCA) → New York State law preventing civil arrests near state courts but excluding federal immigration courts.
Detention Quotas → Required numbers of daily ICE arrests set by the administration to increase enforcement actions.
Legal Aid Society → A major nonprofit providing free legal services to low-income individuals, including immigrants.
This Article in a Nutshell
In June 2025, ICE intensified immigration arrests in NYC, targeting court attendees. Massive protests erupted, highlighting fear and opposition. Legal groups condemned ICE’s tactics, while local officials balanced enforcement and public safety. The struggle reveals deep national divisions on immigration policy and community rights protections across cities.
— By VisaVerge.com
