NEW YORK (WABC) — New York City is stepping up efforts to protect immigrants after a new report shows ICE detentions are up more than 70% in the five boroughs.<\/p>\n
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams held a rally at the Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center surrounded by immigration activists on Friday morning.<\/p>\n
Neighbors in the Norwood section of the Bronx talked about their friends, neighbors and other community members impacted by what a new audit shows to be an increase of enforcement action.<\/p>\n
Supporters shared their support of Mayor Zohran Mamdani directing city agencies to do more to protect immigrant populations — particularly after they say numerous detentions have occurred in their neighborhood recently.<\/p>\n
It comes as the city on Friday released an audit that shows a 71% increase in immigration enforcement action during the second Trump administration.<\/p>\n
Specifically, the report says more than 5,500 people were detained by ICE agents between January 20, 2025 and March 10, 2026 — and more than half of those were at 26 Federal Plaza, the immigration court building in Lower Manhattan where many protests have taken place.<\/p>\n
The report also showed an alleged targeting of city shelters.<\/p>\n
So now, among other new procedures, Mayor Mamdani is directing NYPD officers to notify leadership and legal executives to every 911 call reporting the presence of immigration authorities.<\/p>\n
Williams spoke on why he feels this policy and more is necessary.<\/p>\n
“It just really goes to show what’s happening across the country,” Williams said. “And folks should not be afraid in New York City, of all places. And they are.”<\/p>\n
Eyewitness News has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for their response to the audit and is still awaiting a response.<\/p>\n
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