ICE conducts large-scale operation in Queens neighborhood

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a significant operation in the East Elmhurst area of Queens, New York, lasting more than 10 hours on a Thursday. Dozens of vehicles, described by residents as unmarked, were observed patrolling the streets near Elmhurst Hospital.

The grassroots organization Hands Off NYC, which coordinates nonviolent resistance, reported that neighbors organized to document the activity, blow whistles, and alert the community. According to the group, the operation was one of the largest seen in New York City since the Canal Street incidents in late 2025. Despite the heavy presence, Hands Off NYC stated that they did not witness a single immigrant detention during the period of community surveillance.

The organization alleged that agents engaged in dangerous behaviors, including driving against the direction of one-way streets at high speeds and threatening to use pepper spray on residents who were filming. While Hands Off NYC claimed agents ran into neighbors with vehicles, an NYPD spokesperson stated there were no reported motor vehicle collisions in the 110th Precinct on that day.