Family Separated in Upstate NY ICE Raid

A mother and her three children were detained last month during an immigration operation near the US-Canada border in northern New York. New York Governor Kathy Hochul condemned the action as "just plain cruel" and demanded their immediate return to the state.

The operation, part of a broader ICE crackdown, took place at a dairy farm in Hounsfield. According to reports, eight people were detained in total. The New York Immigration Coalition stated that the family, who were navigating the US immigration system and attending court hearings, were unexpectedly transferred to a Texas detention facility.

<img src="https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2025/04/02/6da96e29-30c8-44a4-b812-93ac051ec9ad/thumbnail/1240x827g2/c36de6da27c90ef570533e6f5b65b442/gettyimages-2205549177.jpg?v=7613930c2bdb7d1bf55be910a9b022f2#" alt="New York Gov. Kathy Hochul" height="827" width="1240" loading="lazy">

Hochul and Local Officials Demand Answers

Governor Hochul, while stating support for deporting violent criminals, emphasized that this family posed no threat. She highlighted the devastating impact on the children, including a third-grader, stating that the action was "just plain cruel." Local officials echoed her sentiments, describing the children as valued members of their school community.

The Sackets Harbor Central School District superintendent, Jennifer Gaffney, appealed for the family's return, emphasizing the children's disruption from their education and community life. ICE has yet to respond to requests for comment.

This incident highlights the ongoing debate surrounding immigration enforcement and the impact of these policies on families.