Day: June 9, 2025

Under a new bill proposed by Congressmember Velázquez, immigration officers would be barred from wearing clothing bearing the word “police.”

The post Bill would forbid immigration officers from wearing apparel identifying them as ‘police’ appeared first on Brooklyn Eagle.

The anger and fear inside the immigration court in Lower Manhattan on Monday were palpable as masked ICE agents were spotted combing the hallways and rifling through names on court dockets.

The masked men waited in the halls of 26 Federal Plaza for most of the day on June 9 while looking to apprehend individuals attending court hearings, with their presence sparking fear and confusion among visitors and lawyers alike.

Several federal agents wearing FBI patches plastered on their bulletproof vests arrived on the 12th floor that morning, but appeared to remove those patches when they noticed press cameras.

They gathered with ICE agents and others wearing DEA patches and loitered in the corridor not far from where flyers were posted encouraging immigrants to comply in advance and self-deport. 

Their appearance drew the ire of lawyers and fear from immigrants. 

One lawyer, who asked not to be identified, told amNewYork that when one of the judges saw the masked group, they told her to return later in the morning — apparently in the hope of avoiding an encounter.

Another federal employee, who also asked not to be named, told amNewYork that having ICE in the building has been a living hell and is making them uncomfortable.

Other attorneys could be observed repeatedly returning to the hallway and staring at the agents before scurrying away.

Though attorneys fumed and visitors expressed concern, the ICE agents themselves didn’t seem to have a care in the world.

As the hours wore on, the ICE agents could be seen joking and laughing while the court was in session — so much so that a security guard asked them to keep it down.

When they weren’t carousing, they seemed to be scouring their phones and the court dockets looking for people eligible for deportation.

amNewYork also spotted a text chain the group appeared to be on in which they attempted to coordinate their detainments.

“This is in 26 still, right?” one message read, referring to the Federal Plaza address.

“A lady is giving out flyers explaining how to fight a dismissal,” another message read.

Later, the ICE agents were seen comparing the names from the list on the wall with a paper they held in their hands.

Despite waiting until just before 3 p.m., the federal agents left the building without making an arrest. However, at least immigrants were reportedly arrested across the street at 2090 Broadway.

Some attorneys believe ICE’s presence at the courts is a fear tactic, commenting on the use of several different agencies. 

“They cover their faces. Why are they covering their faces? What are they hiding? They are not identifying who they’re with. We’re seeing officers from different agencies being used as part of this, that’s been happening the last week and a half. FBI agents are in courtrooms,” said immigration attorney for Make the Road New York Rachel Levenson. 

Founder of a cryptocurrency payment company was arrested and charged Monday, June 9, with 22 counts of wire and bank fraud.

The post Russian national charged in federal court with 22 counts of wire and bank fraud appeared first on Brooklyn Eagle.

Men whose activism and dedication have helped their southwest Brooklyn community were honored on Sunday, June 8, at an inaugural event.

The post Men of Distinction event recognizes diversity of leadership in southwestern Brooklyn appeared first on Brooklyn Eagle.