Immigrant Advocates Give Cold Shoulder to ICE

By TIFFANY THOMAS

An immigrant advocacy group launched a campaign on Tuesday to put an end to what they say is New York City’s collaboration with immigration authorities in deporting illegal immigrants.

On the steps of Federal Plaza, the group, ICE-FREE NYC suggested that the city use resources to strengthen families, not to tear them a part or instill fear of deportation. Led by immigrants and people who claim to be victims of the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, the protesters asserted that all New Yorkers should have the right to remain with their relatives and live free from fear of deportation.

“We want to end the relationship New York has with immigration enforcement,” said Abraham Paulous, executive director of Families For Freedom.

“We hope there is more education in our communities as a defense to understand that any contact with the NYPD and DOC (Department of Corrections) can lead to deportation and detention,” Paulous added.

Between October 2012, and September 2013, local agencies transferred more than 3,000 people through ICE, an advocate said.

“We are immigrants, all families of immigrants, and we must remain together,” a campaign advocate shouted.

The goal is to educate the public and public officials about alleged injustice against immigrant families.