Connecticut’s lieutenant governor, Susan Bysiewicz, returned from Danbury on Thursday with a stark warning about the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation that took place over the past three days. Speaking on WNHH FM’s “Dateline New Haven,” Bysiewicz described the sweep as a “lawless” campaign that threatens the safety and dignity of families across the state.
ICE actions spark community outrage
During a visit with Governor Ned Lamont and other elected officials, Bysiewicz observed ICE agents detaining at least 50 suspected illegal immigrants in public settings. She recounted a particularly disturbing incident in which an individual was seized directly in front of an elementary school as children filed into class. “Parents were waiting at a bus stop, and once the kids were on the bus, agents took parents right there,” Bysiewicz said. “Imagine how traumatizing that is for a child looking out the window.”
Questions of legality and transparency
Bysiewicz noted that the agents wore masks and failed to display badges or identification, a practice she said violates established law. She added that ICE has refused to release any details about the detainees or the reasons for their arrests, citing “operational security.” The agency’s email response to the New Haven Independent emphasized that under President Trump and Secretary Markwayne Mullin, “criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S.”
Impact on local businesses and families
The lieutenant governor highlighted the broader economic fallout, citing a coffee shop located across a green where day‑laborers typically gather for work. “Nobody’s going there now,” she said. “The business has lost customers because families are scared to be out in public.”
State response and legal challenge
Connecticut’s administration is actively appealing to ICE for the release of information about those detained, arguing that many of the individuals have no criminal record beyond illegal entry. Bysiewicz referenced prior instances where state officials successfully secured the release of law‑abiding immigrants, including students from Cheshire and Meriden.
Calls for congressional action
Looking beyond the immediate crisis, Bysiewicz urged Congress to address what she described as a “broken” immigration system. She stressed that the current federal approach, which she characterized as a “fear campaign,” undermines community cohesion and the constitutional rights of residents.
Context of the Trump administration’s immigration policy
Nationally, ICE raids have increasingly targeted individuals whose only alleged offense is illegal entry, contrary to the Trump administration’s claims of rounding up the “worst of the worst.” The Connecticut officials’ criticism aligns with growing concerns among state leaders that the federal strategy disregards due process and community safety.
As the legal battle continues, Bysiewicz and Governor Lamont pledged to keep pressing ICE for transparency and to protect Connecticut families from what they view as an unlawful intimidation effort.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
