MOIA: ‘No confirmed reports of immigration raids in NYC’

As of January 5, 2016, 121 individuals have been arrested by immigration officials nationwide so far. These raids mostly took place in Georgia, Texas, and North Carolina. There have been no confirmed reports of immigration raids in New York City, according to the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA).

“The City of New York is not involved in these immigration enforcement raids and we are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status, have the right to access city services with a sense of security and peace of mind,” the agency said in a statement.

MOIA is providing additional information and resources regarding the recent federal immigration raids that began in January 2016.

What is happening?

• In January 2016, the federal government began arresting some individuals and families who recently arrived in the United States from Central American countries and who have received a final order of deportation from an immigration judge.

• In many of these cases, individuals received a final order of deportation because they did not appear at their immigration court hearing or they did not have access to adequate legal help to pursue humanitarian relief in the U.S. Many of these individuals may have experienced acts of violence in their home countries and came to the U.S. to flee violence and persecution.

• As of January 5, 2016, 121 individuals have been arrested nationwide so far. These arrests mostly took place in Georgia, Texas, and North Carolina. There have been no confirmed reports of immigration arrests of this kind in New York City.

What is the City’s involvement?

• The City of New York is not involved in these immigration enforcement actions.

• We are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that all New Yorkers, regardless of immigration status, have the right to access city services with a sense of security and peace of mind.

• New York City’s schools are open to all NYC children regardless of immigration status. The New York City Department of Education does not share information with immigration authorities about children and families who are enrolled in public schools.

What are the rights of immigrant families in New York City?

• Privacy City agencies are forbidden by Executive Order 41 to ask about immigration status unless it is necessary to determine eligibility for a benefit or service. If an individual does share his or her immigration status or other confidential information with City employees, City employees may not report this to anyone, except when it is necessary for the investigation of an illegal activity, other than mere status as an undocumented immigrant.

• Language Access City agencies that provide direct social services are required by law to arrange for interpretation in individuals’ primary languages.

• City Services All New Yorkers have the right to access most City services, regardless of immigration status, including education, emergency food and shelter, legal services, and municipal ID.

Where can immigrant families go for help?

• New York State New Americans Hotline: Call (800) 566-7636 for free confidential immigration legal help in over 200 languages. UnitedWeDream Hotline: Call (844) 363-1423 to report information about an immigration raid.

• The IDNYC is a government-issued photo identification card that is available to all City residents age 14 and older. Immigration status does not matter. The IDNYC is accepted by the NYPD as proof of identification. Make an appointment at: http://www1.nyc.gov/

• Know Your Right. If you or others are interested in hosting a Know Your Rights training or workshop, please contact the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs at 212-788-7654 or MOIA@cityhall.nyc.gov.