Council Member Levin sent out this very important message pertaining to reported DHS and ICE raids. New York is The Melting Pot, a Sanctuary City. Please share this information far and wide. Let’s all help protect to those striving for a better life here in our fair city.
If you or someone you know is undocumented and in fear of deportation, Brooklyn Heights has several sanctuary spaces: Brooklyn Heights Synagogue, St. Ann and the Holy Trinity, First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn and Grace Church Brooklyn Heights. New Sanctuary Coalition has put together a complete city-wide list HERE.
According to news reports, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are planning immigration raids for July 14th-18th, and NYC is one of many cities that may be targeted. It is being reported that ICE will be targeting undocumented immigrant families who have removal orders, and that they may be arresting others they encounter who are undocumented.
We recognize that many immigrant families are worried about potential raids. It is important for immigrant families to know they have rights.
1) Know Your Rights: The City has developed a Know Your Rights Fact Sheet that we ask you to share broadly (additional languages forthcoming):
Fact Sheet: Know Your Rights with ICE [English]
Fact Sheet: Know Your Rights with ICE [Spanish | Español]
Fact Sheet: Know Your Rights with ICE [Chinese (Simplified) | 简化字]2) Important information for immigrant New Yorkers:
- The City has invested over $48 million in immigration legal services so that immigrant New Yorkers have access to legal help, emergency planning (such as parental designations and standby guardianship planning), and more. The City of New York does not conduct federal immigration enforcement. The NYPD does not ask about the immigration status of crime victims, witnesses, or other people who ask for help.
- The City of New York has confidentiality protections in place for all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status, who are accessing important City services
3) ActionNYC Hotline:
If people are worried about what the President’s actions could mean for them and their loved ones—particularly if they have ever been in deportation proceedings, have received an order from immigration court, or have concerns about their immigration status, please call the ActionNYC hotline at 1-800-354-0365 to receive free and safe immigration legal help.
In addition to regular weekday hours, the ActionNYC hotline will be open this Saturday and Sunday, July 13th and 14th, from 9am – 5pm. The city will be monitoring the volume of calls, and will have staff prepared to stay later, as needed.
4) Help us get the message out: ActionNYC info graphics for social media are below, linked in each language. You may also share this video message from Commissioner Bitta Mostofi, NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs.
English
Bengali | বাঙালি
Chinese (Simplified) | 简化字
Haitian Creole | kreyòl ayisyen
Russian | русский
Spanish | Español
Punjabi | ਪੰਜਾਬ ੀ
Arabic | العربية
Nepali | नेपाली5) Community Resources:
- If you are in need of a safe space or sanctuary, please visit the New Sanctuary Coalition’s sanctuary spaces available across the city: New Sanctuary Coalition Locations
- If any hears or sees anything related to DHS or ICE raids, they should call Immigrant Defense Project to let them know about the raid (and get connected to an immigrant attorney if needed): at 212-725-6422.
6) As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact my office at (718) 875-5200 or slevin@council.nyc.gov
Sincerely,
Council Member Stephen Levin
