Widespread raids by immigration agents did not materialize over the weekend despite threats by Trump. A handful of raids, however, did still unfold across the country, and protesters rallied in support of immigrant communities. Agents in Chicago reportedly arrested a mother and her children only to quickly release them. Arrests were also attempted here in New York City, but migrants reportedly refused to open their doors to agents. On Sunday in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, one of the neighborhoods targeted by ICE early Saturday morning, there was a vigil to continue informing the community of their rights. This is Fabiola Mendieta, an organizer with the New Sanctuary Coalition.
Fabiola Mendieta: “We’re here today because we heard what happened yesterday, that ICE came to our neighborhood, and we tried to stand together and say that—tell them a message saying that they’re not welcome here. You’re not welcome in our neighborhood.”
This is New York state Senator Jessica Ramos at another rally in Jackson Heights, Queens.
Sen. Jessica Ramos: “We are the most diverse district in the entire country, and with that comes a huge responsibility for every single section of our neighbors. So, for our undocumented neighbors, we are out here trying to show solidarity, making sure that people understand their rights. … Here in Jackson Heights, we always band together to protect each other. And no one, not even the president of the United States, is going to mess with our neighbors.”
Authorities say more raids are planned this week. We’ll have more on this story after headlines.