Volunteers in Queens say communities are increasingly relying on whistles to warn neighbors of federal immigration activity after masked officers carried out street arrests in Corona earlier this month, according to a sprawling report from THE CITY.
According to Queens Neighborhoods United, officers detained seven Latino men in the New York neighborhood during a series of afternoon operations, prompting residents to sound whistles to alert others in real time.
Witnesses said officers appeared briefly and departed quickly before returning twice more. Volunteers distributed whistles and know-your-rights materials following the first sweep. "Short bursts indicate an ICE sighting. Long whistles indicate agents making arrests," said Whitney Hu of South Brooklyn Mutual Aid to THE CITY, noting that the method is simple and widely understood across immigrant communities regardless of language group.
The tactic has roots in Chicago, where whistle alerts spread rapidly after the launch of Operation Midway Blitz in September. That operation involved tear gas, rubber bullets, chemical agents, and street confrontations, as well as armed agents entering private homes and detaining U.S. citizens, including children. Volunteers there distributed more than 120,000 whistle kits containing instructions and know-your-rights cards.
The approach has since expanded to St. Louis, Minneapolis, Denver and Atlanta.
New York activists say they are bracing for a similar escalation. Much of the enforcement under the Trump administration has occurred inside government buildings such as 26 Federal Plaza, but advocates expect more street operations following recent statements from officials in Washington.
Border Czar Tom Homan said Tuesday that he intends to "increase the enforcement presence in New York City," citing the city's sanctuary policies. "We're going to do operations in New York City," he said on Fox News, without specifying a timeline.
Meanwhile, Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's office said the city would "protect the rights and dignity of every single New Yorker" and reaffirmed commitment to sanctuary laws and Governor Kathy Hochul's office said federal intervention "is not wanted or needed," reiterating that a surge in ICE activity would not improve public safety.
Activists say last month's raid on Canal Street offered a preview of what neighborhoods may face. New Yorkers quickly mobilized, surrounding armored trucks and documenting arrests. Federal officials have dismissed concerns about public alert tools with a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson saying that agents are "not afraid of loud noises and whistles," describing them as trained to operate under confrontation.
Community groups distributed another 10,000 whistles last weekend as part of a citywide day of action. Organizers describe the effort as practical preparation for residents likely to be affected by upcoming operations. "If you hear the whistle and you're undocumented, you hide," Hu said. "And if you're not, you go to the street."
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