Socialists Mobilize Against ICE in NYC

In New York City, a coalition of socialists is establishing a “rapid response” network aimed at countering a likely intensified federal crackdown on illegal immigration. This initiative boasts over 4,000 anti-ICE activists ready to disrupt such efforts.

During a recent meeting of the Immigrant Justice Working Group, held at the People’s Forum—a venue linked to the Chinese Communist Party—members discussed their objectives. The walls displayed portraits of notable communist figures, including Fidel Castro and Che Guevara.

“We anticipate increased immigration enforcement activities by the federal government,” stated a DSA member named Marina, addressing an audience of over 100 supporters.

“It can be confusing and a bit scary right now in New York… but we aim to be proactive when those measures happen,” she added.

The local chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has trained 2,000 members and an additional 2,000 who are not members, with plans to hire 50 more trainers.

Furthermore, they are expanding their staffing for an ICE hotline, which will operate around the clock, year-round.

“If you speak Pula, if you speak Creole, if you speak Fulani, come find us,” the leader invited. “We really want folks to get involved.”

While the group did not disclose its budget, they made multiple appeals for funds throughout the nearly two-hour gathering. At one point, a leader donned a red hat and circulated to gather donations in true socialist-style.

Some members expressed excitement over differing sentiments regarding the recent death of Renee Good—whose fatal encounter with ICE agents sparked a stir.

The anti-ICE group that Good was part of had been trained to “resist” immigration injustices, serving as inspiration for the tactics they hoped to replicate in New York.

“ICE is a violent organization that has responded valiantly to many of the operations in which so many of you have participated,” the leaders remarked.

Landry, an organizer from Crown Heights, voiced her concerns about the “immigration crisis” being a part of broader U.S. imperialism, while also stating that they’re still providing immigrants with an “ICE experience.”

The DSA’s strategy includes mobilizing groups to confront immigration officers directly, to confirm sightings of ICE activities.

“This has previously been enough to deter ICE actions, especially here,” Marina emphasized. This individual, also known as “Marina F,” is a music artist from Queens.

Among the tactics discussed was the use of rape whistles to signal ICE activity. “If you’re interested in this kind of work, we’ll give you a whistle,” she mentioned.

Another leader, Reema Nasrati, a pro bono refugee lawyer, highlighted the importance of communication and “whistle codes” to alert community members to ICE’s presence.

“The whistle will travel far,” Marina assured the attendees.

DSA members are also patrolling immigrant communities—including areas like Chinatown and Bushwick—to recruit new volunteers.

“There are more of us than them,” Nasrati encouraged, as he urged members to join their secure Signal chat. Participation in the “rapid response” effort requires re-vetting for DSA members.

Recently, ICE has increased its workforce significantly, conducting large-scale operations in various cities aimed at detaining immigrants, especially those with criminal records or without legal status. It was reported that after operations in Minnesota, the focus is set on California and New York next.

Recent ICE announcements included the arrest of an undocumented individual previously convicted of violent felonies. A senior official also noted that ICE officers are fulfilling their role by ensuring that “criminal illegal aliens go home for the holidays.”

Earlier this month, the Department of Homeland Security revealed plans to open a new ICE detention center for 1,500 undocumented immigrants about an hour from New York City in the town of Chester. This facility will significantly exceed the current capacity, adding to an existing center in Newark which was reopened last year.

As these initiatives progress, ICE activities in the New York City region are expected to escalate sharply due to the enhanced capacity.