As school begins, Queens families keep watch for ICE
This article was originally published by Documented , an independent, non-profit newsroom dedicated to reporting with and for immigrant communities in New York City. The original article can be accessed here . For the last few months, Margarita and her husband have been waking up at 4 a.m. most days. While their children slept, she lovingly brewed him coffee and packed him breakfast and lunch —…
As the 2025 school year commenced in Queens, New York City, families braced themselves for potential encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Margarita, a mother of three, began her day by preparing her children for school, ensuring they had their backpacks and outfits ready. Unbeknownst to her, immigration enforcement was on the rise, with ICE arrests peaking in July 2025, particularly in Queens.
The neighborhood where Margarita lived had reported nearly two dozen ICE sightings and arrests since January, prompting fear among the community. Despite the risk, Margarita decided to drive her children to school, emphasizing the importance of not letting fear paralyze them. She urged other parents to attend a rally and distribute information about their rights during school pick-up.
Advocates argue that schools should implement measures such as walking buses and ICE watchers to ensure the safety of immigrant families during their journey to school.
Written by urgent.news from Chalkbeat's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
