Hundreds march in Sunset Park to stand against ICE

Hundreds of residents, along with advocates and elected officials, marched along Fifth Avenue in Sunset Park on Saturday, many wearing white to show solidarity with immigrant families in fear of detention and deportation.

They had gathered earlier at 59th Street and Fourth Avenue to begin the local “Stand Against ICE” action, one of seven coordinated marches across Brooklyn, Queens, and Inwood. Organizers called for an end to crackdowns by federal immigration authorities and passed out materials to help neighbors prepare safety plans in case of detainment.

Before the march began, teachers and local advocates shared why they came. Many described the fear spreading through classrooms as families respond to deportation threats. Some students, they said, have stopped coming to school altogether. Longtime P.S. 503 teacher Julia Garland said she’s seen it firsthand, families no longer showing up and rumors spreading about detentions.

“Children can’t learn if they’re scared, and we can’t make them feel safe when it isn’t actually safe,” said Garland.

Tamara Stern, president of the Fort Hamilton High School PTA, said students deserve to live without fear regardless of their immigration status. “We keep hearing about high school students being taken by ICE,” she said. “Not everybody is documented, but we want to make sure we protect all of our families.”

Both Stern and Garland made it clear they were there as individuals, not representing their schools or any organizations.

From neighboring Bay Ridge, Hadee said he joined the march to show support for Sunset Park. “This community is right next to Bay Ridge; everyone shops here, eats here. We have a big Muslim community, too,” he said. “It’s all one struggle against this fascist power in office.”

Councilmember Alexa Avilés led the demonstration, joined by Comptroller Brad Lander. NYPD officers accompanied the procession, blocking traffic as the group made its way up to Fifth Avenue and turned north toward the park, while onlookers stopped to watch.

“It feels good because these are people defending Hispanics,” said Erika, a passerby who came from Coney Island to shop that morning. “There’s a lot of people who have been arrested and mistreated.”

A local resident, Cisco, watching the action, said it was exciting to see people mobilizing, but remained skeptical about results from elected officials. “They’re drawing a line, now let’s see if they don’t back away from it,” he said. “I fear they always do this performative thing, and when it comes down to it, they always back away and they always bend the knee.”

Julio Peña III, chair of Community Board 7, acknowledged that some might view rallies as symbolic, and said that while all those with privilege – not just politicians – should signal this is a welcoming community, the day was also about community outreach, canvassing small businesses and flyering.

Materials included Spanish-language pamphlets offering a red card with scripted responses for anyone approached by ICE, a list of free and low-cost legal resources, and a link to ReadyNow, an app that alerts family, legal contacts, and childcare providers in case of detention. “All Are Welcome Here” posters carried a separate QR code linking to immi.org, a national immigrant resource hub where residents can find legal guides and community support networks.

“I have some flyers myself that I'm going to be distributing to some of my neighbors,” Peña said. “I don't see that as performative; I see it as this community picking up the work and making sure we stay safe.”

The marchers rallied inside the park and Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes took the mic, calling for lasting change beyond one day’s action. “It’s not fair that I finished my work in June without passing legislation that protects our people,” she said, referring to the New York for All Act, a bill that would bar local and state police from collaborating with ICE, but that legislative leaders never brought up for a vote during session. “The governor has the authority to call us back. I’m ready to return, but I need your help.”

She then shared Governor Kathy Hochul’s phone number, 518-474-8390, and urged attendees to call. “She needs to hear from the people that this is what we need and that we are going to stand by her to pass this legislation.”