2 Bronx families fight to reunite following ICE separations

Raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in New York City have immigrants on edge.

News 12 Staff

Jan 23, 2020, 12:01 AM

Updated 1,548 days ago

Share:

Raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in New York City have immigrants on edge.
One of the raids happened in the Bronx last Wednesday morning, in the Fordham section. Ramon Garcia-Ponce is a 56-year-old undocumented immigrant and local vendor who was taken into custody from his Valentine Avenue home.
His family says immigration agents identified themselves as police and banged on his door until his wife opened up. Ponce is a sickly man, according to his family, and was removed in handcuffs after agents raided the apartment.
His daughter says he was detained roughly 20 years ago for entering the country illegally from Mexico--but says he has not been in trouble with the law since.
Ponce is being held in Bergen County Jail, according to his daughter who has also hired a lawyer.
Javier Rodriguez-Mendez was also taken into custody last Wednesday, according to his family. The arrest was also made in the Bronx, on Willis Avenue.
His son says he is heartbroken.
A backpack and cross outside symbolizes the fight to stop the separation of families. In Mott Haven, it reminds the community of yet another family sharing a similar pain.
Police sources tell News 12 Garcia-Ponce has a domestic abuse conviction on his record. News 12 reached out to ICE for a comment and were told it could take a business day to hear back.


More from News 12
0:32
Authorities: Bronx River Parkway crash leaves 1 person dead, another in critical condition

Authorities: Bronx River Parkway crash leaves 1 person dead, another in critical condition

2:04
Police arrest, charge suspect linked to fatal teen stabbing over parking dispute in Morris Heights

Police arrest, charge suspect linked to fatal teen stabbing over parking dispute in Morris Heights

1:43
Cloudy with unseasonably cool temperatures for NYC; showers return tonight

Cloudy with unseasonably cool temperatures for NYC; showers return tonight

1:39
Have any weekend plans? See what's happening across the Bronx for Earth Day

Have any weekend plans? See what's happening across the Bronx for Earth Day

0:37
Man set on fire after argument with another man in Melrose, NYPD says

Man set on fire after argument with another man in Melrose, NYPD says

0:26
Bronx's Jennifer Lopez honored with Premio Orgullo at Latino benefit event

Bronx's Jennifer Lopez honored with Premio Orgullo at Latino benefit event

1:51
Vendors rally to demand accessible vendor licenses and permits after DSNY crackdowns

Vendors rally to demand accessible vendor licenses and permits after DSNY crackdowns

1:54
Morrisania tenants taking legal stance against building’s management

Morrisania tenants taking legal stance against building’s management

2:11
Bronx Zoo celebrates 125 years of bringing joy to New Yorkers

Bronx Zoo celebrates 125 years of bringing joy to New Yorkers

Is your mom awesome? New York City tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? New York City tell us why your Mom Rocks!

0:54
Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

2:04
Bronx River Parkway undergoes construction; prepare for traffic delays

Bronx River Parkway undergoes construction; prepare for traffic delays

1:53
Bronx man hard at work to fight off catalytic converter thieves

Bronx man hard at work to fight off catalytic converter thieves

0:26
NYPD: Man wanted for breaking into Bronx building twice in 10 days

NYPD: Man wanted for breaking into Bronx building twice in 10 days

0:24
Police: Man steals 77-year-old's wallet at Chase Bank in Kingsbridge

Police: Man steals 77-year-old's wallet at Chase Bank in Kingsbridge

0:23
Spring Arrival: Hummingbirds heading to New York

Spring Arrival: Hummingbirds heading to New York

2:19
Denim takes over Bronx Borough Hall for day dedicated to raising sexual assault awareness

Denim takes over Bronx Borough Hall for day dedicated to raising sexual assault awareness

1:34
NYPD says new campaign has lowered crime citywide; some New Yorkers don’t buy it

NYPD says new campaign has lowered crime citywide; some New Yorkers don’t buy it

2:09
Federal civil rights complaint filed against NYC Public Schools Athletic League

Federal civil rights complaint filed against NYC Public Schools Athletic League

2:10
NYS Federation of Taxi Drivers offer $5,000 reward after string of carjackings and robberies

NYS Federation of Taxi Drivers offer $5,000 reward after string of carjackings and robberies