Congressman Dan Goldman Confronts Masked ICE Agents Detaining Immigrants in Manhattan Court

Strategic Insights -

US Congressman Dan Goldman confronted masked ICE agents detaining immigrants attending routine immigration court appearances in the lobby of his 290 Broadway Manhattan district office. The agents were wearing masks, which they claimed was due to the cold weather, but one officer admitted that they were wearing masks to avoid being caught on video. Congressman Goldman witnessed and condemned the actions, calling it "Gestapo-like behavior."

Key Takeaways:

  • Congressman Dan Goldman witnessed and confronted masked ICE agents detaining immigrants attending routine immigration court appearances in the lobby of his 290 Broadway Manhattan district office.
  • The agents were wearing masks, which they claimed was due to the cold weather, but one officer admitted that they were wearing masks to avoid being caught on video.
  • Congressman Goldman has never seen plainclothes officers wearing masks before, even in his 10 years as a federal prosecutor working with ICE agents and Homeland Security Investigations.
  • The Department of Homeland Security has implemented a coordinated effort to dismiss the cases of nonviolent, non-criminal immigrants, recommending dismissal and then arresting them under a different authority with fewer rights.
  • The event occurred on the same day Congressman Goldman observed an immigration court proceeding at the Executive Office for Immigration Review, where a pastor from Queens was also detained.
  • Congressman Goldman expressed his disapproval of the actions, stating that it is not America and not how the government should behave.

Statistics:

  • 15: The number of people present in the courtroom who spoke no English.
  • 1: The number of proceeding where the Department of Homeland Security moved to dismiss the case, which was granted by the judge.
  • 10: The number of years Congressman Goldman worked as a federal prosecutor.
  • 100%: The percentage of agreement by Congressman Goldman that violent criminals or convicted criminals should be deported.

Sources:

  • A video of the event is available to stream on Youtube: [HERE](https://www.youtube.com)
  • Photos of the event can be found: [HERE](https://www.contify.com)
  • A rush transcript of Congressman Goldman's remarks is available below: [AS PROVIDED IN THE PRESS RELEASE]