Locals rally as ICE’s presence in World’s Borough grows
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Locals and elected officials rallied in Astoria on Sunday over the federal detention of the 6th grader as immigration enforcement is spotted in multiple Queens neighborhoods. Photo courtesy of Western Queens Indivisible
By Ryan Schwach
Queens locals and elected officials rallied in Western Queens over the weekend to protest the federal detention of a 6-year-old and his father as immigration agents were spotted in two separate Queens neighborhoods.
The weekend protest over the detention of Yuanxin Zheng, a first grader and Astoria resident, was just one instance of the Trump administration's heavy handed immigration enforcement coming to Queens streets in recent weeks. On Thursday, federal agents were spotted in both Jackson Heights and the Rockaways.
“It is deplorable that our students across the city are disappearing,” Queens Councilmember Julie Won said at the rally on Sunday. “It is deplorable that mothers are afraid to walk their child to the school bus stop because they may get kidnapped.”
Zheng was separated from his father at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan last month when they went for what they believed was a routine court appearance. The exact whereabouts of the boy are currently unknown.
“What's happened to Yuanxin is a crime, what's happened to him and his father is a crime,” said Sam, an Astoria-parent whose child attends PS 166 in Astoria, where Zheng was also enrolled.
Armed federal agents were seen in Jackson Heights Queens on Thursday morning, where they reportedly made at least one arrest. Screenshot from video obtained by the Eagle
Sunday’s rally was also attended by Congressmember Nydia Velázquez, Comptroller Brad Lander, and Diana Moreno and Rana Abdelhamind, who are both running for the local State Assembly seat being vacated by Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.
“Let's be very clear, ain't nothing about this has to do with our safety,” said Abdelhamind. “We know that this has nothing to do with safety. This is racism, xenophobia and intolerance.”
The rally comes as federal law enforcement and ICE are seemingly increasing their presence in Queens, a borough known for its vast foreign-born population.
On Thursday, a woman in Jackson Heights was detained after heavily-armed agents appeared in unmarked vehicles and accompanied by a helicopter, the Eagle reported at the time.
The Department of Homeland Security declined to comment on the nature of the Jackson Heights operation.
Reports also came on Friday of ICE activity around the Peninsula Preparatory Academy in Far Rockaway, and at a Home Depot on the peninsula.
No one was detained in either raid, according to local officials.
“I know how frightening and destabilizing reports like this can be for families across our community,” said Far Rockaway Councilmember Selvena Brooks-Powers. “We're monitoring the situation closely and will continue providing updates as soon as new information becomes available.”
State Assemblymember Khaleel Anderson reported the incident at the Home Depot.
“We will not be bullied by this unruly gang that thrives on separating families and destroying communities,” said Anderson. “Now more than ever we need to work together to protect our families and make it clear this is not allowed here and never will be tolerated.”
“Our community will not be terrorized,” he added. “Please stay vigilant and let's look out for one another."
