ICE Arrests 65 Immigrants Across Connecticut Spark Protests in Danbury, Norwalk, Stamford

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently conducted a four-day operation in Connecticut, arresting 65 individuals, 29 of whom had serious criminal charges, including kidnapping and assault. The raids, part of Operation Broken Trust, targeted cities including Danbury, Norwalk, and Stamford, and involved collaboration with multiple federal agencies. The enforcement actions have sparked widespread protests and outrage among local immigrant advocates and community members, who describe the raids as terrorizing and ambush-like, particularly highlighting an incident at the Danbury courthouse where ICE agents were heavily armed and masked. Activists, including leaders from Greater Danbury Unites for Immigrants, called for elected officials to take stronger action to protect immigrant communities, emphasizing that many arrested individuals are families and community members who contribute locally. Local officials expressed sympathy with the community's concerns, though some Connecticut Republicans defended the ICE operations citing the criminal backgrounds of many arrested. The protests have highlighted ongoing tensions between federal immigration enforcement efforts and local immigrant communities seeking sanctuary and safety.