New York, NY — Arlen Benjamin-Gomez, executive director of EdTrust-New York, issued the following statement in response to federal agency raids targeting immigrants in New York: 

The recent detainment of two New York City public school students by federal immigration authorities and immigration raids in California are not isolated incidents, they are part of a pattern of targeted, state-sanctioned intimidation against immigrant communities that form the backbone of our public education system. We at EdTrust-New York condemn these actions as a grave violation of students’ rights, safety, and humanity. 

When Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents detain students like the 11th grader from Queens and the 20-year-old Bronx student, they are not just removing young people from classrooms, they are shattering lives, interrupting education, and sending a message that immigrant children are not safe, even in the sanctuary of their schools. This is unacceptable. 

Here in New York, immigrants account for approximately 23 percent of the state’s population. Our students, educators, and school communities reflect the diversity and strength of this city and state. Our classrooms are powered by the contributions of immigrants, documented and undocumented, whose presence enriches the learning environment for all. These raids threaten that very foundation. 

This is more than federal overreach; it is a direct attack on our students, our values, and our future. Schools and colleges must remain places of learning, belonging, and safety, not intimidation, monitoring, or disruption.  

We urge New York leaders from the Governor to the New York City Public Schools Chancellor to respond with urgency, clarity, and action. 

EdTrust-New York remains committed to uphold the respect, security, and humanity of immigrant students and families. The trauma inflicted by these raids will echo through our schools and communities unless we act decisively. Every student from New York to California has the right to learn and thrive in peace. We will not stand by while that right is stolen. 

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About EdTrust-New York: EdTrust-New York is dedicated to eliminating equity and opportunity gaps that hinder students from reaching their full potential. We focus on ensuring that students of color, including Black, Latinx, Native American, and Asian American and Pacific Islander students, and those from low-income backgrounds achieve high levels of success from early childhood through college. For more information, visit EdTrustNY.org.