News Summary
In a significant law enforcement action, federal agents conducted a raid outside the Row Hotel, a shelter for migrant families in New York City. The operation occurred during the return of many families to the shelter, resulting in multiple arrests, primarily targeting Venezuelan nationals. Eyewitness accounts described a chaotic scene, with residents expressing heightened fears about future detentions. This incident marks a rare federal raid of a migrant shelter in the city, highlighting ongoing enforcement amid policy changes.
New York City witnessed a significant federal law enforcement action on Thursday afternoon when a dozen agents in tactical gear conducted a raid outside the Row Hotel, a shelter for migrant families, resulting in multiple arrests. The incident unfolded at approximately 4 p.m. on West 44th Street, coinciding with many families returning to the shelter.
Eyewitness accounts, along with video footage, confirmed the involvement of federal agents from the FBI and other agencies in the operation. Overall, around 10 individuals were arrested, with three visible takedowns by federal officers documented on video during the event.
This incident marks the first federal raid near a migrant shelter since the administration of former President Donald Trump. One detainee reported being briefly questioned in a nearby subterranean parking garage and stated that federal agents were particularly searching for Venezuelan nationals.
Among those affected, a Venezuelan woman disclosed that her husband was taken into custody during the raid. Despite inquiries, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) did not provide comments following the arrests. Moreover, a representative from the mayor’s office confirmed that the New York Police Department (NYPD) was not involved in the law enforcement actions.
Significantly, federal agents did not enter the Row Hotel itself, as they would have required a judicial warrant to do so. New York City’s “sanctuary city” policy prohibits local authorities from collaborating with federal immigration enforcement efforts. However, Mayor Eric Adams has suggested that certain sanctuary protections may be rolled back in light of evolving situations.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene during the raid, noting heightened fears of further detentions among the residents. In a notable incident, a 12-year-old boy who was waiting with a babysitter was briefly taken by agents but was released after his visa status was verified. Following the arrests, communication among residents intensified, creating a rapid circulation of information through WhatsApp groups, contributing to increased anxiety and fear within the community.
Father Fabián Arias, a pastor assisting families in immigration court, has raised concerns about the pervasive atmosphere of fear among families residing in the area. The Row Hotel, currently serving as a migrant shelter, is slated for closure by spring 2026 due to ongoing changes in local policies and resources.
It is important to note that while this type of federal raid at migrant shelters is rare, enforcement agents have previously sought specific individuals residing at various shelters. Currently, approximately 35,000 individuals are housed in four remaining migrant shelters and 155 facilities operated by the Department of Homeland Security, down from a peak of 68,000 in December 2023.
Historically, federal immigration enforcement in New York City has predominantly targeted immigration courthouses and check-in locations, with large-scale street raids being more commonplace in other cities such as Chicago and Los Angeles.
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Additional Resources
- Brooklyn Eagle
- The Guardian
- ABC 7 NY
- Google Search: New York City migrant shelters
- CBS News New York
- Wikipedia: Immigration in the United States
- News Nation
- Google Scholar: Immigration raids in New York
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
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