The deaths of Lorenzo Araujo in Texas and Johan Guerrero in Maine by ICE agents brought protesters to Foley Square Tuesday night, calling for accountability as federal investigations into both shootings get underway.
“For me, this past week is a reminder that we should all be out here,” Brooklyn resident Kevin Jacobs said.
What You Need To Know
The deaths of Lorenzo Araujo in Texas and Johan Guerrero in Maine by ICE agents brought protesters to Foley Square Tuesday night
Federal immigration agents have shot and killed at least four people so far this year
Officials said neither Araujo nor Guerrero was the person agents were originally trying to arrest
The demonstrations came as multiple news organizations reported ICE has temporarily paused most vehicle stops following recent shootings
“I think it’s gone past the point of we need to abolish ICE. I think we need a thorough investigation and, if appropriate, trials, prosecutions,” Brooklyn resident Anabel Ruggiero added.
Federal immigration agents have shot and killed at least four people so far this year. Officials said neither Araujo nor Guerrero was the person agents were originally trying to arrest.
Officials added that an ICE agent opened fire when they feared for public safety, claiming Araujo attempted to use his vehicle as a weapon. In Guerrero’s case, authorities say he accelerated his vehicle toward officers while trying to flee before agents fired.
“Sadly, I think this is just the latest in a string of reckless, dangerous actions by ICE,” Lydia, from Manhattan, said.
Gov. Kathy Hochul was asked about the recent shootings, as the Department of Homeland Security has threatened to send more agents to the city.
“We don’t want more people being rounded up in the streets. And we sure as hell don’t want them murdered in their vehicles,” Hochul said.
The demonstrations came as multiple news organizations reported ICE has temporarily paused most vehicle stops following recent shootings.
DHS did not confirm the change, telling NY1, “We are always evaluating our procedures to keep our officers safe and criminals off our streets. We will not disclose or discuss law enforcement tactics.”
“We’re going to continue to fight and demand more protections because that’s what we need in this moment,” New York Immigration Coalition President Murad Awawdeh said.
As investigators work to determine whether agents followed policy, protesters say they’ll keep pressing for answers.