About 200 Brooklynites gathered at Brooklyn Borough Hall on Saturday, May 17, 2026, for a Know Your Rights and ICE preparedness training hosted by Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso and Hands Off NYC as concerns over immigration enforcement continue to grow across the borough.
The training came two weeks after hundreds of residents rallied outside Wyckoff Heights Medical Center to protest ICE’s detention of Chidoze Wilson Okeke, an incident that heightened fears among immigrant communities in Brooklyn.
Attendees learned about constitutional and civil rights, how to safely identify and document ICE activity and ways to support neighbors facing possible detention or deportation. Organizers also discussed what they described as a growing climate of authoritarianism and encouraged residents to strengthen community networks in response.
“At a time when immigrant communities are under attack, we have a responsibility to ensure our neighbors know their rights and are empowered to organize against the federal government’s brazen mass deportation agenda. ICE’s recent standoff in Bushwick goes against our nature as a sanctuary city and created real fear for many families across our borough. We won’t sit idly by as ICE comes for our neighbors, and I’m proud to partner with Hands Off NYC to host this essential training for Brooklynites,” said Antonio Reynoso.
The event was intended to help Brooklynites feel informed and prepared as many immigrant families face growing uncertainty. Reynoso criticized ICE’s recent activity in Bushwick, arguing it conflicted with New York City’s sanctuary city policies and increased fear among residents.
Hands Off NYC co-founder Hae-Lin Choi emphasized the importance of community organizing and legal education as immigration enforcement activity increases across the city.
“As ICE continues to unleash its abduction program across our city, now is the time to train, build connections within your community and learn how to fight back,” said Hae-Lin Choi. “This weekend, hundreds of Brooklynites showed up to say we won’t capitulate to Trump’s bullying or ICE’s attempts to terrorize our communities. New York will take to the streets and protect our neighbors.”
The event was organized in partnership with several City Council members and immigrant advocacy and community organizations across Brooklyn.
The training was part of Reynoso’s “Our City, Our Sanctuary” initiative, which aims to connect Brooklyn residents with legal information, trusted resources and community support networks.
