A recently surfaced video has sparked a heated debate in New York City after it revealed a teachers’ union representative instructing educators on how to help migrant families avoid encounters with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The video, released by the New York Post, shows a representative from the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) conducting a Zoom session where they provided detailed guidance on how undocumented immigrants could evade ICE both at home and in public spaces. The session highlighted the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and efforts to protect vulnerable migrant communities, particularly in cities like New York, which has long been a sanctuary for immigrants.
The UFT representative in the video emphasized the importance of knowing one’s rights when interacting with ICE agents. “If ICE comes to the home, you do not have to open the door,” the representative advises. They further elaborated that even if the door is opened with a chain, it could be interpreted as granting ICE entry, which could lead to complications. Instead, the representative encouraged families to keep the door closed and remain silent. For those who do not speak English, the representative introduced the concept of “red cards,” which are free to print and can be slipped under the door when an ICE agent is present. These cards explicitly state, “I do not wish to speak to you. I do not agree to allow you into my house,” in both English and the resident’s native language. While some schools in New York City have begun distributing these red cards, others have expressed discomfort in doing so, reflecting the broader divides in how to address immigration issues.
The UFT has defended its actions, framing the guidance as a matter of educating communities about their rights. A spokesperson for the union told Fox News Digital, “Sharing information so educators, students, and their families know their rights is what education is all about. We share guidance from the city and state to help our educators navigate an ever more complicated world.” This stance highlights the union’s commitment to supporting not only its members but also the families they serve, many of whom are immigrant households facing uncertain legal and social circumstances.
However, the UFT’s efforts have come under scrutiny amid conflicting policies from New York City’s administration. Mayor Eric Adams recently issued a memo to all city agencies, including schools, hospitals, and migrant shelters, outlining that employees could allow federal immigration officers onto city property if they “feel reasonably threatened.” The memo also warned that actively harboring or shielding undocumented immigrants is a federal crime, a statement that some critics argue could create confusion and fear among city workers who are trying to support migrant families. Adams has since clarified that the memo was not new guidance but rather a reaffirmation of existing policies, emphasizing that the city is committed to protecting its employees while also upholding the law. Despite this, the timing of the memo has raised questions about the city’s balancing act between supporting immigrants and complying with federal immigration authorities.
The debate over immigration enforcement in New York City is part of a larger national conversation about sanctuary cities and states that resist federal deportation efforts. Tom Homan, a former ICE director and current border czar, has been vocal in criticizing cities and states that limit cooperation with ICE. In a recent interview with Fox News, Homan warned that sanctuary cities would face consequences, including increased ICE activity and arrests, if they continue to resist federal immigration policies. “We’re just trying to help public safety in your community,” Homan said. “Sanctuary cities are going to get exactly what they don’t want—more agents in the communities, more people arrested, more collaterals arrested. So that’s a game they want to play? Game on.” Homan’s comments reflect the ongoing tensions between federal immigration authorities and local governments that prioritize protecting undocumented immigrants.
The situation in New York City underscores the complex and often fraught relationship between immigration enforcement and community protection. While the UFT’s efforts to educate educators and families about their rights demonstrate a commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, the city’s policies and the federal government’s stance on immigration create a challenging landscape for all involved. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how New York City and other sanctuary jurisdictions will navigate the pressures of federal enforcement while maintaining their commitment to shielding undocumented immigrants. The interplay between local and federal policies, coupled with the compassionate efforts of organizations like the UFT, highlights the urgent need for a more comprehensive and humane approach to immigration in the United States.
