Even the Christmas Eve holiday did not halt the immigration operations driven by the Trump administration in the United States, as reports of arrests surfaced in Washington, New York, and beyond.
Footage shared on social media platforms captured ICE agents detaining migrants outside supermarkets in Washington state and New York, sparking outrage and distress among onlookers and relatives.
One incident unfolded in Washington state, where a man was taken into custody after exiting a supermarket with his groceries, according to Telemundo.
The migrant was approached by federal officers and subsequently detained. The agents even took the grocery cart with the purchased items.
“I couldn’t believe it!” exclaimed Jaime Ortiz, a witness to the arrest who tried to assist the detained individual by asking for phone numbers to notify family members.
Ortiz described the scene as “heartbreaking,” condemning the timing of these actions just as families were preparing for holiday celebrations.
A similar occurrence took place in New York, where a woman was apprehended under comparable circumstances near a commercial area, causing anger and helplessness among those who witnessed the operation.
These incidents have reignited criticisms against ICE for conducting arrests in sensitive public areas, especially during festive times, a practice that immigrant advocacy groups deem unnecessarily traumatic and dehumanizing.
Social media users have criticized these operations for tearing families apart during the Christmas season, leaving children and relatives without immediate knowledge of their loved ones' whereabouts.
“Not even on Christmas Eve was there a break,” lamented a community activist in New York.
The Trump administration had previously announced that these operations would persist, even during the holidays.
ICE Operations and Holiday Impact
Why did ICE continue operations during the Christmas holidays?
The Trump administration had announced that immigration enforcement actions would carry on, even during festive periods, as part of its broader immigration policy.
What was the public reaction to the ICE arrests during Christmas?
The public reaction was one of outrage and distress, with many criticizing the timing and location of the arrests, particularly as families were gathering for the holidays.
How do immigrant advocacy groups view these ICE operations?
Immigrant advocacy groups view these actions as unnecessarily traumatic and dehumanizing, especially when conducted in public spaces and during holidays.