Teachers’ union heard coaching migrants evading ICE despite Homan’s warning to Democrat leaders

A recently surfaced video has sparked controversy after it showed a representative from the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) in New York City instructing educators on how to help migrant families avoid detection by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The video, released by the New York Post, captures a Zoom session where the UFT representative provides detailed advice on how undocumented immigrants can evade ICE both at home and in public. The guidance includes specific strategies, such as not opening the door for ICE agents and using "red cards" to assert their rights. These red cards, which are free to print, are designed to be slipped under the door when an ICE agent arrives. They 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 are distributing these cards, others have expressed discomfort in doing so. A UFT spokesperson defended the initiative, framing it as a matter of education and ensuring that families know their rights. The spokesperson emphasized that the union shares guidance from city and state authorities to help educators navigate a complex and ever-changing world.

The video comes amid a broader debate over immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies in New York City. Mayor Eric Adams recently issued a memo to all city agencies, including schools, hospitals, and migrant shelters, outlining the conditions under which employees can allow federal immigration officers onto city property. According to the memo, employees may permit ICE agents to enter if they "feel reasonably threatened." However, the memo also warns that actively harboring or shielding undocumented immigrants is a federal crime. Adams clarified during a press conference that the memo was not new policy but rather a continuation of existing guidance aimed at protecting employees while ensuring they are not placed in harm’s way. Despite this, the timing of the memo and the UFT’s actions have raised questions about the city’s stance on immigration enforcement and its commitment to protecting undocumented residents.

The controversy has also drawn attention to the ongoing tensions between local governments and federal immigration authorities. Tom Homan, a former ICE director and current border czar, has been vocal in his criticism of "sanctuary cities" like New York, which limit cooperation with ICE. Homan has warned that such policies will result in increased enforcement activity, including more arrests and a greater federal presence in these communities. He has also clashed with Democratic leaders across the country, including Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, whom he threatened to jail over deportation protests. In contrast, Mayor Adams has sought to strike a balance, meeting with Homan in December and expressing a shared desire to target undocumented immigrants who commit crimes. While Adams’ office did not immediately respond to requests for comment, his administration has signaled a pragmatic approach to immigration enforcement, one that seeks to uphold public safety while addressing the complexities of the issue.

The video and the subsequent debate highlight the challenges faced by migrant families living in the United States without legal status. For many of these families, the fear of deportation is constant, and the guidance provided by the UFT representative reflects an effort to empower them with knowledge of their rights. The use of red cards, for example, is intended to provide a clear and assertive way for individuals to communicate their boundaries to ICE agents without engaging in potentially risky conversations. By distributing these cards and offering similar resources, the UFT aims to create a safer and more informed community for migrants, regardless of their legal status.

At the same time, the issue underscores the complexities of immigration policy in the United States. While some argue that sanctuary policies protect vulnerable communities and uphold human rights, others contend that they undermine national security and the rule of law. The memo issued by Mayor Adams reflects an effort to navigate this delicate balance, ensuring that city employees are not compelled to act in ways that could place them or others at risk. However, critics argue that such policies create confusion and may inadvertently encourage noncompliance with federal authorities. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how New York City and other sanctuary jurisdictions will address the challenges posed by immigration enforcement in a way that balances public safety, legal obligations, and humanitarian concerns.

Ultimately, the controversy surrounding the UFT’s guidance and the broader discussion over sanctuary policies reveal the deep divisions in American society about how to address undocumented immigration. While some view efforts to assist migrant families as a necessary protection of their rights, others see such actions as a challenge to federal authority and public order. As the nation grapples with these issues, the human impact on migrant families cannot be overlooked. For many, the fear of deportation is a daily reality, and initiatives like the UFT’s red cards offer a sense of empowerment and security in uncertain times. The debate over immigration enforcement is far from resolved, but one thing is clear: the lives of countless families hang in the balance, and their stories deserve to be heard.