In recent times, enforcement officers from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been frequently seen in the vicinity of Sunset Park and 8th Avenue in Brooklyn, conducting operations between 7 pm and 10 pm. These actions involve street stops, checking the identification of drivers and passengers, and the on-the-spot arrest of some individuals. Pictures and videos related to these incidents have circulated on social media, raising concerns in the community.
On August 21st, New York State Assemblyman William Colton and City Council Member Khin Mai Aung held a discussion at the Brooklyn Chinese-American Community Center regarding the recent ICE enforcement actions. They reminded the public to always carry valid identification when going out to reduce unnecessary risks.
Colton emphasized that ICE enforcement affects many families and disrupts the daily lives of communities. People should not skip sending their children to school, going to work, or seeking medical care. He stressed the importance of understanding and complying with relevant rules to mitigate risks. In particular:
Regardless of being an immigrant or a green card holder, individuals should carry legal documentation such as a driver’s license, original or photocopy of the green card, or have a photo stored on their phone if needed.
Green card holders must update their address with the immigration department within 10 days of moving, as failing to do so could be viewed as illegal and may lead to detention as a pretext.
If visited by ICE, unless they have a court-issued official warrant for arrest, individuals have the right to refuse to open the door and should avoid confrontation or aggressive behavior to prevent being perceived as a threat.
He advised that unlike state courts, ICE does not provide public defenders, so detainees must seek legal assistance on their own. Families should prepare contact information in advance to avoid situations where the whereabouts of a detained individual are unknown.
Dr. Lo Tien-fu, Director of the Brooklyn Chinese-American Community Center, recalled witnessing eight individuals being handcuffed and taken away by ICE from a neighboring hair salon two months ago, leading to the enforced closure of the shop. He reminded people to always carry identification when going out, even a photocopy of a passport is better than having no identification.
Council Member Khin Mai Aung cited three cases as a warning that even green card holders could be detained or deported due to minor records from earlier years cited by ICE as reasons. Therefore, having a green card does not guarantee absolute safety.
She mentioned that her office collaborates with Congressman Daniel Goldman to assist the community in dealing with these issues. According to Goldman’s office, the second-largest group currently arrested by ICE in New York are Chinese, with Mexicans being the largest. She emphasized that individuals should not assume that this could not happen to them.
She urged people to carry green cards, REAL IDs, or passport photocopies at all times and to address any fines or records promptly to avoid significant consequences. She also recommended high-risk groups to fill out a Privacy Waiver in advance, allowing family members to inquire about case progress with congressional offices in case of detention.
Moreover, different types of identification documents serve varying purposes:
Enhanced ID: With a U.S. flag in the upper right corner, only U.S. citizens can apply for this. It serves as a valid identification for ICE checks and can be used for domestic flights within the U.S. and entry into Canada, Mexico, and some Caribbean areas directly.
REAL ID: With a pentagon star in the upper right corner, it is acceptable for domestic flights within the U.S. but does not carry immigrant status authority during ICE inspections. Non-citizens should present a green card or other legitimate identification documents.
Passport Card/Passport ID: The most comprehensive in functionality, equivalent to a passport, serving as an international travel document and confirming identity during ICE inspections.
Khin Mai Aung recommended that people prepare the most appropriate identification document based on their immigration status to avoid additional risks due to insufficient documentation. Additionally, her office provides free legal consultations, with the next event scheduled for September 8th. People are advised to call and make an appointment in advance to receive professional guidance.