Immigrant Advocates Report Surge in ICE Enforcement Across New York

Immigrant rights organizations are reporting a significant increase in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity across New York, citing a rise in detentions and sightings over the summer. The reported surge follows the enactment of state legislation that prohibits local law enforcement from entering into or maintaining 287(g) cooperation agreements with federal authorities.

Federal border czar Tom Homan has publicly stated that the federal government would deploy additional personnel to New York in response to these state-level policy changes. Homan characterized the move as a necessary step to maintain enforcement efficiency, suggesting that the loss of local cooperation necessitates a larger federal footprint.

Data from the Capital Region Sanctuary Coalition indicates that ICE sightings in the Albany, Schenectady, and Troy areas rose from eight in June to 33 in July. Similarly, advocacy groups in Yonkers have reported increased enforcement operations in neighborhoods such as Park Hill.

Recent detentions have caused significant distress for affected families. In one instance, Jean Aurilio reported that her husband, Jesus Carrión, was detained during a scheduled check-in at the ICE field office in Malta. Carrión, who is currently pursuing an asylum claim, was among at least 11 individuals reportedly taken to the detention facility in Batavia during that operation.

Legal representatives have expressed concern regarding the nature of these enforcement actions. Attorney Matthew Borowski, who is representing several individuals detained in the July 26 Malta operation, argued that the roundups create community instability. He noted that many of those detained had previously been assessed by the government as posing no flight risk or danger to the public.

In response to the concerns, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson stated that the individuals detained had entered the country illegally and were released during the previous administration. The spokesperson emphasized that all detainees would receive full due process. First Assistant U.S. Attorney John Sarcone added that the federal government remains committed to pursuing criminal activity and upholding national laws.

While Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James have defended the state’s decision to limit cooperation—arguing that local law enforcement should prioritize local matters—the federal government continues to expand its detention capacity. Plans are currently underway to enlarge the 650-bed facility in Batavia, and federal authorities have reportedly leased warehouse space in the Hudson Valley to accommodate the increased enforcement efforts.