The Chaos of an ICE Detention

The New Yorker

by Jordan Salama

February 19, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

When Manuela’s husband, Iván, was detained by ICE agents near their home in Corona, Queens, their family’s life instantly unraveled. Iván, an undocumented immigrant from Ecuador with a pending deportation order, sent panicked messages to Manuela, pleading for her to pay his phone bill so he could stay in touch after being taken away. His arrest left Manuela and their three-year-old daughter, Nicole, grappling with uncertainty as they faced the sudden loss of their provider and the unknown fate of Iván. The incident highlights the growing presence of ICE in New York City, particularly in neighborhoods like Corona, East Elmhurst, and Jackson Heights, where immigrant communities are concentrated. Reports of aggressiveICE tactics include raids on homes and threats to families, such as a video showing agents forcibly removing individuals from their residences. These operations often target undocumented workers heading to jobs, as seen in Iván’s case, who was detained while en route to his roofing job. ICE agents have also been spotted using public spaces like parking lots near CVS Pharmacy and TD Bank as staging areas for raids, typically striking early in the morning. Manuela’s story underscores the emotional toll of such detentions on families. Her frantic calls to her mother in Ecuador, where she sought guidance and comfort during this crisis, illustrate the far-reaching impact of ICE actions on immigrant households. The incident not only disrupts livelihoods but also forces communities to confront the fragility of their legal status and the potential separation of loved ones. For readers interested in cultural issues, this story offers a poignant look at how immigration enforcement shapes daily life and creates fear in migrant-dense areas.

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Originally published on The New Yorker on 2/19/2026