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U.S. News
31 January 2025

Misinformation About ICE Raids Spreads Fear Nationwide

Community leaders urge caution as false reports of immigration enforcement create panic among immigrants.

False reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids have been sweeping through various immigrant communities across the United States, exacerbated by misinformation shared on social media. These unverified claims have prompted not only public fear but also urgent reassurances from local officials and organizations aimed at protecting vulnerable populations.

Among these efforts, NYC Health and Hospitals has taken to social media to dispel widespread rumors threatening the safety of immigrant patients. They declared, "We care about your health, not your immigration status," ensuring the community of their commitment to providing medical services without fear of deportation. This was echoed during recent town hall meetings led by Mayor Eric Adams, who reminded residents, "Children should go to school, those who need health care should go to hospitals." Adams' remarks come on the heels of President Trump's recent directives revoking protections for "sensitive locations" — places traditionally off-limits to ICE agents.

The hospital’s center of concern, Elmhurst Hospital, predominantly serves immigrant communities, including individuals from South and Central America, the Caribbean, and Eastern Europe. Councilmember Shekar Krishnan of Elmhurst remarked on the harmful effects of the rumors, stating, "The rumors are extremely unfortunate," indicating how fear-based misinformation can prevent individuals from seeking necessary health care.

Adding to the chaos, reports emerged about individuals spotting a vehicle branded as part of the non-existent "ICE Volunteer Corps" roaming neighborhoods, which only helped increase anxiety among Chester County residents. Lindsey Sweet, an immigration attorney who works with numerous clients from the local immigrant population, noted, "There’s just a lot of confusion, so I can image it continuing." Significantly, sightings of this vehicle with the suspicious markings prompted calls to local police and universities for clarification.

Meanwhile, fears have reached Milwaukee, where reports surfaced of ICE detaining several individuals. Spanish-speaking residents had shared concerns on social media after claims were made about a Puerto Rican mother and her child being apprehended by ICE at a local store. Local officials, including U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have been attempting to confirm the authenticity of these claims, emphasizing the need to investigate and verify as false reports can have dire consequences. Moore stated, "Regardless of its validity, many of my constituents are concerned about mass deportation efforts." Notably, the Waukesha County Sheriff's office confirmed they would not house children and had no records of the alleged detained family.

Further complicity emerged as false media reports of mass deportations circulated, prompting the Schuyler Police Department to release statements refuting such claims. Police Chief Robert Farber cautioned against the panic generated by these rumors, reiteratively explaining, "This kind of information, these kinds of rumors just spread more fear and anxiety." Schuyler Superintendent Dr. Bret Schroder supported this stance, declaring he found no truth to the recent claims.

Advocates from various immigrant rights organizations have voiced their concern over the impact of misinformation on local businesses and community wellbeing. Darryl Morin, president of Forward Latino, expressed frustration over the numerous false rumors circulating, explaining how they damage trust within the community. "It is having an impact on our business community," he lamented.

Looking at the bigger picture, many are recognizing the destructive potential of misinformation as the Trump administration's approach to immigration enforcement intensifies. ICE has been granted broader powers, with federal agents now operating with greater latitude to conduct arrests and deportations, leading to legitimate fears among undocumented immigrants. Yet, as the murky waters of misinformation muddy the true reality, communities are stepping up to combat fear with clarity and truth.

Though misleading reports of ICE activities can incite panic, residents have begun taking action — whether by posting authentic warnings about potential ICE impersonators or initiating conversations within their communities to verify claims before sharing information. The necessity for informed dialogue and responsible journalism has never been clearer as communities rally together to promote truth and transparency against unfounded fear.

Existing at this intersection of fear and disinformation, it is imperative for advocacy groups, local leaders, and residents to forge strong lines of communication. By doing so, they hope to not only protect their communities from undue panic but also to strengthen the ties of trust and safety within them.