ICE agents arrest several migrants in Lower Manhattan following required check-in process.
In a significant enforcement action on June 4, 2025, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detained multiple migrants who were attending mandatory check-ins at an office located near City Hall in lower Manhattan. This coordinated operation unfolded at the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP) office on Elk Street, as reported by Media News Source.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that the arrests predominantly targeted individuals who had already received final orders of removal, raising concerns among advocates about the nature of the program. Allison Cutler, a supervising attorney at the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG), described the situation faced by the migrants as effectively a trap. Many participants in the ISAP are already subject to stringent monitoring through ankle bracelets, which track their locations. The legal and emotional implications of these detentions are profound, especially for individuals attempting to comply with immigration processes.
One attorney from NYLAG reported witnessing the detainment of a woman during her court appearance, who articulated her distress regarding her child’s well-being and her own medical issues. Despite her pleas, she was apprehended by ICE agents, highlighting the often brutal realities of such operations. Dramatic images from the scene showed individuals in handcuffs being escorted by agents, while family members expressed deep emotional turmoil over the detentions.
ICE officials defended the actions taken during the operation, asserting that they are committed to enforcing the law. The agency reiterated its focus on prioritizing the apprehension of individuals who entered the United States illegally, particularly those who have been issued expedited removal orders. This stance, aligned with recent policy adjustments under the Trump administration, aims to bolster immigration enforcement efforts across the nation.
The national goal of increasing detentions is ambitious, with reports claiming a target of up to 3,000 arrests per day by ICE. This figure represents a stark increase from prior averages of about 656 arrests daily, a fact that has raised fears among immigrant communities. Concerns about the security and safety of migrants have intensified in New York, driven by recent high-profile detentions during routine court check-ins.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams urged asylum seekers to continue attending their immigration hearings, emphasizing the importance of not discouraging individuals from engaging with the judicial process. Adams confirmed that the city has not collaborated with ICE in civil enforcement matters, positioning himself as an advocate for the rights of immigrants in his jurisdiction.
As the tensions surrounding immigration enforcement unfold, community advocates call for greater accountability and resistance against aggressive detainment strategies employed by federal agencies. The challenges facing immigrant families continue to garner attention, prompting discussions about the role of local and federal authorities in managing immigration policies and the overall impact on the community.
