Queens, November 21, 2025
In a troubling incident, federal agents entered a family’s apartment in East Elmhurst, Queens, without a warrant, pointing guns at a mother and her children. The agents were looking for a suspect who no longer lived there. This operation has raised serious concerns among community advocates about public safety and legal rights during such confrontations. Advocates are calling for an investigation into the actions of the agents and emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s rights in dealings with immigration enforcement.
Queens, New York: Federal Agents Enter Family’s Home Without Warrant
Queens, New York – On November 13, 2025, federal agents entered a family’s apartment in East Elmhurst, Queens, without announcing themselves or presenting a warrant. The agents were reportedly searching for an individual who no longer resided at the address. During the operation, they pointed firearms at a mother and her four children, ages 2, 6, 10, and 13, and forcibly removed the mother from her bed. The Department of Homeland Security stated that the agents knocked on the door for 20 minutes before entering. The individual they were seeking, Raymundo Gabriel Huerra-Betancourt, has a criminal history that includes assault, reckless driving, and illegal re-entry. The woman’s cousin, Jennifer Diaz, is listed as the target’s cousin.
Incident Details
According to the New York Immigration Coalition, the agents did not announce their presence or present a warrant before entering the residence. The agents allegedly pointed firearms at the mother and her children and forcibly removed the mother from her bed. The individual they were searching for, Raymundo Gabriel Huerra-Betancourt, has a criminal history that includes assault, reckless driving, and illegal re-entry. The woman’s cousin, Jennifer Diaz, is listed as the target’s cousin.
Reactions and Responses
Community advocates have condemned the incident, calling it a “home invasion” and highlighting the trauma experienced by the family. The New York Immigration Coalition emphasized the need for oversight and for families to be aware of their rights during such operations.
Background Context
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the U.S. Marshals Service were involved in the operation, aiming to serve a criminal arrest warrant for Raymundo Gabriel Huerra-Betancourt. The Department of Homeland Security stated that the agents knocked on the door for 20 minutes before entering. The individual they were seeking has a criminal history that includes assault, reckless driving, and illegal re-entry. The woman’s cousin, Jennifer Diaz, is listed as the target’s cousin.
Legal Considerations
Individuals are not required to open their doors to ICE agents unless they present a valid warrant signed by a judge. Advocates are calling for an investigation into the agents’ conduct and reminding residents of their rights during such operations.
Related Incidents
Similar incidents have occurred in the past, including a home invasion in Queens where armed robbers posed as FBI agents to steal $20,000 and luxury goods.
Conclusion
The incident in Queens has raised significant concerns about the conduct of federal agents during enforcement operations and the rights of individuals during such encounters. Ongoing discussions and investigations aim to address these issues and ensure accountability in law enforcement practices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened during the incident in Queens?
On November 13, 2025, federal agents entered a family’s apartment in East Elmhurst, Queens, without announcing themselves or presenting a warrant. They were searching for an individual who no longer resided at the address and pointed firearms at a mother and her four children, forcibly removing the mother from her bed.
Who were the federal agents searching for?
The agents were searching for Raymundo Gabriel Huerra-Betancourt, who has a criminal history that includes assault, reckless driving, and illegal re-entry. The woman’s cousin, Jennifer Diaz, is listed as the target’s cousin.
What have community advocates said about the incident?
Community advocates have condemned the incident, calling it a “home invasion” and highlighting the trauma experienced by the family. The New York Immigration Coalition emphasized the need for oversight and for families to be aware of their rights during such operations.
What are the legal rights of individuals during such operations?
Individuals are not required to open their doors to ICE agents unless they present a valid warrant signed by a judge. Advocates are calling for an investigation into the agents’ conduct and reminding residents of their rights during such operations.
Have similar incidents occurred in the past?
Yes, similar incidents have occurred, including a home invasion in Queens where armed robbers posed as FBI agents to steal $20,000 and luxury goods.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | East Elmhurst, Queens, New York |
| Date | November 13, 2025 |
| Individuals Involved | Federal agents, Jennifer Diaz (mother), her four children (ages 2, 6, 10, 13) |
| Target of Search | Raymundo Gabriel Huerra-Betancourt |
| Allegations | Agents entered without announcing themselves or presenting a warrant, pointed firearms at the family, forcibly removed the mother from her bed |
| Community Response | Condemnation of the incident, calls for oversight, and reminders of residents’ rights during such operations |
| Legal Considerations | Individuals are not required to open their doors to ICE agents unless they present a valid warrant signed by a judge |
| Related Incidents | Similar incidents, including a home invasion in Queens where armed robbers posed as FBI agents to steal $20,000 and luxury goods |
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