New York City, New York — Community groups across New York City are rapidly expanding a grassroots whistle-alert system as sightings of federal immigration officers increase in several neighborhoods. The tactic, adapted from Chicago activists, has become a low-tech way for residents to warn one another when they spot Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents making arrests on city streets.
Earlier this month in Corona, Queens, volunteers rushed to a street corner after receiving Signal messages reporting masked federal officers arresting Latino men. Though the officers were gone by the time volunteers arrived, they distributed whistles and know-your-rights flyers. Neighbors later used the whistles to warn one another as agents reportedly returned twice more that afternoon.
Similar alerts surfaced this week in Washington Heights and Sunset Park, where organizers say communication spreads across platforms such as Signal, WhatsApp, and WeChat — but everyone knows how to use a whistle. Short blasts signal a sighting; long whistles signal arrests. Organizers encourage undocumented residents to seek safety and others to head toward the scene.
The practice mirrors efforts in Chicago, where residents adopted whistles after federal agents launched Operation Midway Blitz in September. The strategy has since spread to San Francisco, Portland, and Los Angeles.
Advocates in New York fear raids could intensify following recent clashes between federal officials and city leaders, especially after a high-profile Canal Street operation drew hundreds of protesters. Organizers say the quick mobilization — including an iconic moment of a woman blocking an armored truck — has strengthened local anti-ICE networks.
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