A Syracuse attorney has raised concerns over recent actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), alleging that federal immigration policies are creating heightened fear and uncertainty among migrant communities in the area.
Attorney Jose Perez reported that many of his undocumented immigrant clients are being subjected to stricter measures during routine check-ins with ICE, including the confiscation of their passports and the placement of ankle bracelets.
Passport Seizures Raise Concerns
Perez stated that although check-ins with ICE are still taking place, recent incidents indicate a shift in the way these appointments are handled. In some cases, he said, clients had their passports taken during these check-ins.
For many of Perez’s clients, passports are often the only form of identification they possess. Losing this form of ID could severely limit their ability to perform essential tasks, such as purchasing tickets or accessing medical care.
“This is ICE’s way of controlling people,” Perez said. “They want to make sure that individuals comply with their demands, even if it means taking away the only form of identification they have.”
Ankle Bracelets and Fingerprinting for Children
In addition to passport seizures, Perez mentioned that some clients are being fitted with ankle bracelets, which restrict their movements to specific areas and require permission for travel beyond those limits.
He also noted that children of undocumented migrants are being fingerprinted during check-ins, a process that could result in missed school days.
“There are regulations that allow ICE to take fingerprints from children over the age of 13,” Perez explained.
Immigration Policies Under Trump Administration
These actions come in the context of the Trump administration’s broader immigration policy, which has emphasized stringent vetting and increased enforcement measures. Part of President Trump’s approach involves the use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to target foreign gangs and criminal networks operating within U.S. borders.
While the administration insists that these policies are necessary to combat crime, Perez argues that most undocumented immigrants are not involved in criminal activity.
“Most of the immigrant community, including those who are undocumented, are not committing crimes. They are not here to cause harm,” Perez said.
Call for Immigration Reform
Perez has called for comprehensive immigration reform, including a pathway to legalization for individuals already residing in the U.S. He is currently representing a family from Ecuador who fled threats to their lives and will be seeking asylum protections.
As of now, Spectrum News 1 has reached out to ICE for a response but has not yet received comment.
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