Recently, in the Queens area, there have been frequent reports of enforcement actions by the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Congresswoman Grace Meng has criticized this trend and has introduced three federal bills to strengthen accountability for federal law enforcement officers, allow certain immigrants to check in remotely, and require ICE agents to clearly display their identities and prohibit them from wearing masks while enforcing the law.
According to Hands Off NYC, ICE activities reported in New York City in July have doubled compared to previous months, with the most witnessed and detained incidents recorded in East Elmhurst. Residents in neighborhoods such as Corona and College Point have also reported sightings of immigration enforcement officers in recent times. Instances of street stops, vehicle interceptions, and interactions with delivery workers have been reported, with masked enforcement officers being allegedly seen conducting activities near residences and questioning residents.
Congresswoman Meng criticized these enforcement methods, stating that ICE is instilling fear in schools, small businesses, and immigrant families. She has called on Congress to strengthen oversight and has introduced three related bills in the legislature.
The first bill is the “Uniform Standards for Federal Law Enforcement Act,” which aims to codify certain enforcement policies of the Department of Homeland Security into federal law to enhance legal basis for Congress and courts to hold individual federal law enforcement officers accountable for alleged misconduct.
The second bill, the “Safe Check-Ins for Immigrants Act,” proposes to allow individuals in the process of legal citizenship or visa procedures to remotely participate in necessary hearings or check-ins under certain conditions, reducing the risk of being detained by ICE during routine check-ins.
The third bill, the “ICE Badge Visibility Act,” requires ICE agents to clearly display their badges and agency affiliations during enforcement processes, while also prohibiting enforcement officers from wearing masks, in order to increase transparency and accountability in law enforcement.
Meng stated that she will continue to push for the passage of these three reform measures into law, saying, “Congress cannot allow them to continue operating in this manner without proper oversight or accountability.”
Meanwhile, New York Governor Hochul and Mayor Mamdani have recently announced funding to provide legal representation for unaccompanied minors facing immigration processes.