In recent weeks, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in New York has been carrying out a series of raids that have sparked public concern. Ken Genalo, the director of ICE operations in New York, made it clear in a recent interview with PIX11 that the targets of the arrests are not limited to the most serious offenders. Any immigrants within the United States without legal status could be subject to arrest during these enforcement actions. On November 23rd, our reporter witnessed one such arrest by ICE on the streets of Queens.
Genalo emphasized during the interview that ICE’s mission is to enforce immigration laws, which includes apprehending individuals without documentation, those who have overstayed their visas, or have deportation orders. He explained that while there is a common misconception that ICE only targets violent criminals, the reality is that if they encounter other undocumented individuals during operations aimed at primary targets, they will detain them in accordance with the law.
He stressed that enforcing immigration laws inherently involves identity checks, and establishing that a case involves illegal residency is sufficient legal basis for an arrest.
Recent ICE enforcement actions in the New York area have been captured on video by community groups and shared online, causing concerns and raising questions about whether there is an expansion in the scope of operations or if specific communities are being targeted. Genalo denied any “special operations” and stated that such arrests are part of the “daily routine work,” and the increase in visibility might have led some to misconstrue the situation as a crackdown or broader raids.
Many of these actions are targeting individuals with existing deportation records, with Genalo clarifying that these enforcement operations have been ongoing. Videos have surfaced showing ICE agents wearing masks and tactical gear during arrests, unsettling some communities. In response, Genalo explained that the use of masks is to prevent retaliatory tracking or online harassment, as ICE has received an 8000% increase in death threats, highlighting the distinct nature of ICE’s mission where protecting personnel safety is sometimes paramount.
On a Sunday afternoon, our reporter witnessed in the Corona neighborhood of Queens, three officials dressed in uniforms bearing “police” and “federal agent” insignias casually chatting on the street, resembling the patrols of the New York City Police Department. One of them nonchalantly stopped a Hispanic man crossing the street, exchanged a few words informally, while another agent photographed the immigrant, then pulled him aside, handcuffing him with his hands behind his back. Spectators immediately gathered to watch and take photos. Later, a volunteer from the Queens Neighborhoods United handed out flyers in the crowd, advising people to document and track ICE arrests. The gathering murmured speculations that this immigrant may have encountered a “random arrest operation” by ICE.