Fear spreads through immigrant communities

Early in the morning on July 8, a New Rochelle man hoping to be hired for a day job was picked up by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) instead.  Seeking help, his wife and their two children, ages 8 and 3, came to the offices of United Community Center of Westchester (UCCW) . She did not know where her husband was taken and sought legal help. She also needed money for food and rent, since her husband was their sole provider.

ICE agents on Huguenot Avenue

How many other New Rochelle families have faced this predicament since January? The media has carried some stories – a raid at Home Depot on June 7 took four men; a raid at Heritage Homes a few weeks later took three.  Since ICE is not obligated to inform the city when they are coming, the city has no information on why those individuals were detained or where they are now.

At the end of June, ICE agents were seen at Union Avenue near 2nd Street. In July, ICE agents were seen on Main Street. While one observer confirmed they were actual ICE agents identified by insignia on their vests, others were concerned about the possibility of impersonators, private citizens who support President Trump’s agenda to deport anyone who has come here illegally. Civilians are known to  dress as ICE agents in an effort to intimidate residents. 

ICE agents at Home Depot in New Rochelle

There are also people known as cazafortunas or “fortune hunters” who are paid up to $1,200 for helping ICE identify folks who are here illegally, though to date none have been reported in New Rochelle. But since ICE agents are permitted to wear masks and do not show identification, it is impossible to know for certain who targeted people are  dealing with when confronted by possible captors. Immigrants in the community, both documented and not, are now living with a level of fear that impacts both their day-to-day activities and their livelihoods.

On July 13, Westchester County’s annual Hispanic Heritage Festival at the Kensico Dam Plaza went forward without a hitch, in spite of organizers’ fears. Attendance was down about 50% from last year, according to one of the organizers. Still some 4,000 people attended, and vendors reported a successful event. A number of elected officials greeted the audience, including County Executive Ken Jenkins, State Senators Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Shelley Mayer, New Rochelle Councilmember Martha Lopez-Hanratty, County Legislator Terry Clements, and New Rochelle School Superintendent Corey Reynolds.  

Jenkins addressed the fear spreading through the community, “To every immigrant family in Westchester who may be feeling afraid or uncertain right now,” he said, “please know that you are not alone. We see you, we hear you, and we stand with you. Westchester County is your home, and we are committed to ensuring it remains a place of safety, dignity and inclusion for all. You are an essential part of our community, and we will always support and protect you.”

 In New Rochelle, the city decided to cancel its ‘Taste of Union’ Street Fair. In a written statement, City Manager Will Melendez said, “After careful consideration, Union Avenue will not be part of New Rochelle’s ‘Taste of’ series this year – a decision made to ensure our public events remain safe, welcoming, and successful for all.” A similar statement from City Councilmember Martha Lopez-Hanratty reads, “The decision not to hold this year’s Taste of Union Avenue was not made out of fear. Rather, it reflects a thoughtful response to concerns raised by community members and a desire to move forward in a way that is respectful and responsive.”

Jackeline Agudelo, executive director of UCCW, shared her frustration with the fact that more isn’t  being done to protect New Rochelle residents. “Many have lived here for a long time. They have worked hard, bought homes, and paid taxes that pay for benefits they cannot receive. And for the most part, they are grateful for the opportunities they have received in this country. So they tamp down their fears and they go to work, because like everyone else, they have bills to pay, and families to support. Some have chosen to sell their homes and return to their home countries rather than risk all.”

New RoAR News recently learned that the woman whose husband was detained last week now knows that he is being held in New Jersey, but has no knowledge of what is in store for him and is still trying to obtain a lawyer to assist. Showing remarkable resilience, she has found employment and a relative to watch her children. In order to aid and protect neighbors on the local level, groups like the NAACP and some local churches have sponsored “Know Your Rights” workshops for immigrants and others who want to help. Volunteers are also assisting by donating funds or delivering food to families who are hesitant to leave their homes. 

For more information, contact jackie@uccenter.org or visit www.uccenter.org.