Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
A kitchen worker at Ho Foods on Seventh Street was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents earlier this morning, according to her cousin and eyewitnesses.
The woman, identified by her family as Evelyn, was working in the prep kitchen when she received a message instructing her to step outside to speak with immigration officials here between Avenue A and First Avenue, her cousin said.
When she exited the restaurant, which is closed today and tomorrow, several vehicles were waiting, and ICE agents handcuffed her and took her away.
The detainment was captured by a passerby just after 8:30 a.m. and shared on social media.
According to her cousin, Evelyn was born in Peru and lives in Queens. She wears an ankle monitoring device and had previously been involved in immigration proceedings. Her family said she had complied with all required check-ins and directives from immigration authorities. She has a child, who is currently with her former partner.ICE picks up woman on 7th St b/n 1st & A 8:35AM. Help find her family! @ZohranKMamdani @RepDanGoldman @HarveyforNY @SenSchumer @nycdistrict1 @bradhoylman @MarkLevineNYC @JumaaneWilliams @DeborahJGlick pic.twitter.com/Wnie4ky8Eb
— Jeannine Kiely (@JeannineKiely) December 24, 2025
District 2 City Council Member Harvey Epstein was on the scene this afternoon at Ho Foods, and his office is seeking pro bono legal assistance for her.
Epstein responded to the incident, telling EVG: "I am saddened to see another New Yorker taken off the streets of our great city with no due process by masked ICE agents. Our community and city deserve better. Efforts are underway to identify her so she can be provided zealous representation."
Co-workers have organized a crowdfunding effort to help with legal fees, which you can find here.
An NYPD source told EVG that the department was not aware of any ICE-related activity in the neighborhood. The source said that this is typical, noting that the NYPD is generally not notified of immigration enforcement actions unless they are connected to a criminal investigation or drug-related activity.
The incident has prompted heightened concern in the neighborhood, with messages circulating on Signal and WhatsApp claiming ICE agents were canvassing Tompkins Square Park and surrounding areas.
At this time, EVG has not confirmed any additional ICE activity beyond this incident.
We will update as more information becomes available.
