1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

Halt ICE Operations in NYC's Chinatown and Protect Immigrant Communities I am deeply concerned about the recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in New York City's Chinatown. On Tuesday, federal agents conducted a large-scale crackdown on Canal Street, ostensibly targeting criminal activity related to counterfeit goods. This action has caused significant distress and fear within our immigrant communities. While I understand the need to address illegal activities, the use of ICE in these operations is deeply troubling. It blurs the line between local law enforcement and immigration enforcement, potentially eroding trust between immigrant communities and local authorities. This trust is crucial for maintaining public safety and encouraging cooperation with law enforcement. The operation's scale and visibility have already had a chilling effect on the local community. Vendors were seen fleeing the area, disrupting the livelihoods of many hardworking individuals and families. Moreover, the protest that followed the operation, resulting in one arrest for allegedly assaulting a federal officer, highlights the tension and fear these actions create. I strongly urge you to take immediate action to: 1. Call for an immediate halt to ICE operations in New York City, particularly those targeting immigrant-heavy neighborhoods like Chinatown. 2. Investigate the necessity and proportionality of this operation, ensuring that it wasn't a pretext for immigration enforcement. 3. Support legislation that clearly separates local law enforcement from federal immigration enforcement activities. 4. Advocate for comprehensive immigration reform that addresses the root causes of issues like counterfeit goods sales without criminalizing entire communities. New York City has long been a sanctuary city, with local officials emphasizing non-cooperation with federal authorities on civil deportation matters. This recent operation undermines these principles and the trust we've built with our immigrant communities. Time is of the essence. Every day that passes with the threat of such operations hanging over our communities is a day that erodes the fabric of our diverse city. Please act swiftly to protect our immigrant neighbors and uphold the values that make New York City a beacon of hope and diversity.