Protests in New York reject federal immigration policies and ICE actions

New York.— Dozens of people gathered this Monday in front of the Federal Plaza building in Manhattan; they reject the immigration policies implemented by the federal government and the actions of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE).

The protest was part of a national day called by organizations that criticize the increase in arrests of immigrants in courts and federal buildings, as well as the intensification of ICE operations in the city. The protesters chanted slogans and carried banners in which they demanded changes in immigration policy and the cessation of detentions that, according to the organizers, affect asylum seekers, residents and immigrants with temporary benefits.

During the mobilization, representatives of immigrant rights groups denounced that the detentions are carried out without a court order and that the conditions in the detention centers do not meet minimum standards. It was also pointed out that, according to estimates, more than 4,000 people have been arrested by ICE in New York after attending immigration hearings or federal buildings.

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The protest day was replicated in other cities of the country, such as Chicago and Los Angeles. The organizers announced that they will continue with similar actions and called on the population to join future mobilizations.

The federal government has defended its procedures, arguing that ICE’s actions are within the law and that people in irregular immigration situations are subject to deportation processes.

So far, no incidents were reported during the demonstration in Manhattan.