Story perspectives

Brooklyn Gathers 1,300 to Shield Immigrants from ICE

12/12/2025

Center

New Yorkers Defend Immigrants

In Brooklyn, 1,300 New Yorkers gathered at a church to learn how to protect immigrants from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.
Hae-Lin Choi, co-leader of Hands Off NYC, said anti-ICE training sessions are growing in popularity.
Attendees received whistles and 'know your rights' cards to respond to ICE activity.
ICE says it targets dangerous criminals, while community members view these operations as threats to neighborhoods.

Left

New Yorkers Protect Vendors

In New York City, advocates mobilize to protect street vendors amid rising ICE raid threats.
The Street Vendor Project and NYC Ice Watch distribute "know your rights" materials and train volunteers to alert vendors about potential raids.
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani stresses immigrant rights and directs residents on how to respond to ICE encounters.
Despite fears, communities organize to support vendors and resist ICE actions, while reports show Latino individuals are disproportionately targeted.

History

Historical Context

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on October 3, abolished discriminatory quotas favoring European immigrants, significantly increasing arrivals from Latin America and Asia. By the 1980s, over 1 million immigrants entered annually. Today, organizations like Hands Off NYC advocate for immigrant rights, highlighting ongoing challenges and systemic targeting of Latino communities in the U.S.

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New Yorkers Defend Immigrants

In Brooklyn, 1,300 New Yorkers gathered at a church to learn how to protect immigrants from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.
Hae-Lin Choi, co-leader of Hands Off NYC, said anti-ICE training sessions are growing in popularity.
Attendees received whistles and 'know your rights' cards to respond to ICE activity.
ICE says it targets dangerous criminals, while community members view these operations as threats to neighborhoods.

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