ICE Raids Shock Bronx Residents

Early Tuesday morning, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted raids in the Highbridge section of the Bronx, surprising residents and business owners. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on social media that at least one undocumented person was arrested.

<figure> <img src="https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_fit-760w,f_auto,q_auto:best/rockcms/2025-01/250128-bronx-immigration-mn-1551-789ee1.jpg" alt="The Highbridge neighborhood in Bronx, N.Y." > <figcaption>Immigration and law enforcement officers in Highbridge, Bronx.</figcaption> </figure>

Reactions and Concerns

Many residents expressed surprise, noting the rarity of such actions in the neighborhood. While acknowledging the high crime rate in Highbridge, some worried about potential arrests of innocent individuals. A local business owner stated, "I think it's OK if they need to arrest somebody because they committed a crime, but I worry that with ICE, they may also arrest others that haven't done anything bad."

The NYPD, while barred from participating in civil immigration enforcement, collaborated due to the suspect's involvement in serious crimes (kidnapping, assault, and burglary).

Mayor Eric Adams stated that the operation was led by the Department of Homeland Security and supported by federal agencies and the NYPD, asserting the city's continued commitment to protecting both citizens and immigrants.

Impact on Immigrant Communities

The raids caused fear among immigrant communities, particularly recent migrants residing in temporary shelters like the Roosevelt Hotel. One mother, Isabel Miranda, shared that her young daughter is now afraid of the police. Miranda expressed the desperation felt by immigrants, highlighting their contributions to society despite facing prejudice.

Recent numbers from the Trump administration reveal that approximately half of those arrested by ICE recently lack criminal records, further fueling concerns about the operation's motives.

Criticism of the Raids

Murad Awawdeh of the New York Immigration Coalition condemned the raids as a "publicity blitz" designed to instill fear in immigrant communities. He argued the operation was not about public safety but rather a political maneuver.