A prominent immigration rights advocate threatened by deportation was arrested today in New York City after a regular check-in with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), another potential casualty of the on-going mass deportation agenda.
Ravi Ragbir, executive director of the New Sanctuary Coalition of New York City, a faith group dedicated to immigrant rights, was arrested Thursday morning. Protestors attempted to stop the ambulance transporting him, and several were arrested, including two NYC councilmen.
Ragbir had been battling a removal order since 2006, but he had in place a stay of removal from ICE that was supposed to remain in effect until next week.
New Sanctuary Coalition Co-Chair Rev. Kaji Dousa, Senior Pastor of Park Avenue Christian Church, said in a statement that Ragbir worked tirelessly to “make New York a welcoming community for all of its residents.”
“The fact that ICE has taken him as if his spirit, family ties, and contributions to the community mean nothing is inhumane,” Dousa stated.
The arrest comes just days after ICE also detained Jean Montrevil, another immigrant rights leader and founding member of the New Sanctuary Coalition, according to Democracy Now!. These arrests show how ICE is being used as a weapon against political dissidents who dare speak out against the needlessly cruel assault on immigrants that grows by the day.
The cloud of deportation has loomed over Ragbir’s head after a 2001 conviction of wire fraud. But, since then, the advocate has become a renowned leader for immigrants, including by hosting a program where U.S. citizen volunteers would accompany immigrants to ICE check-ins.
Check back with Long Island Wins for any developments on this breaking news.
To help, call the following numbers and demand that Ravi Ragbir, A# 044-248-862, be released.
NYC ICE Field Director: 212-238-4530
ICE Field Office: 212-264-4213
ICE Police Office: 202-732-4292
If you are a New York Resident, you can also call:
Sen. Chuck Schumer: 212-486-4430
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand 212-688-6262
