Elected officials canvass neighborhood after reported ICE sighting in East Flatbush
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams joined local leaders in walking through the neighborhood, stopping at businesses and speaking with residents to ensure they understand their legal rights if they encounter immigration enforcement officers.
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Elected officials and community members took to the streets of East Flatbush Wednesday evening after residents reported seeing what they believed were Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents near Church Avenue and Kings Highway.
The outreach effort comes just days before the federal government is set to officially end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) employment authorization for Haitian and Syrian immigrants on Friday, a move that has heightened anxiety in immigrant communities.
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams joined local leaders in walking through the neighborhood, stopping at businesses and speaking with residents to ensure they understand their legal rights if they encounter immigration enforcement officers.
"There are families, there are neighbors, there are friends and loved ones who are scared tonight and whenever they see law enforcement, they think ICE," Williams said. "And to see 10, 15 vans in your location is a very, very terrifying thing."
The community response began after residents reported seeing several black vehicles and armed men wearing bulletproof vests gathered for hours at a gas station on Church Avenue and Kings Highway. Some residents recorded the scene on their phones and shared their concerns.
One witness said the individuals approached her but did not identify their purpose.
"They said good morning to me and told me to come to them. I did not," the witness said. "I asked them what they were here for and they said, 'Just having fun.'"
There has been no confirmation that the individuals seen in the videos were ICE agents. However, local officials said their message to residents remains the same regardless of whether the reported activity is verified.
"You don't have to open your door for ICE without a warrant, and make sure it's signed by a judge," Williams said. "You can refuse to consent to a search without a warrant. You have the right to remain silent, even if you've answered questions before. Do not lie about your status, your name, or any other information. Ask for an attorney."
State Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Waterman encouraged residents to report suspected immigration enforcement activity through a community hotline.
"If you see ICE or you think ICE is in the community, you call (229) 304-8720," she said.
While local officials pledged support for affected residents, they acknowledged there is little they can do to stop the federal government's decision to end TPS employment authorization for Haitian and Syrian immigrants.
City Council Member Farah Louis urged residents and elected officials to contact federal lawmakers in support of legislation she says could provide protections for immigrant communities.
"We are asking every constituent and elected official to call your local senators to pass S.4814," Louis said.
For many residents, officials said, the concern extends beyond those directly impacted by this week's TPS deadline, with fears that additional immigrant groups could face similar policy changes in the future.
Officials said they will continue conducting outreach efforts across the community to ensure residents understand their rights and know where to seek legal assistance if needed.
