An update on Evelyn, the East Village restaurant worker arrested by ICE agents on Christmas Eve

Reporting by Stacie Joy

Top photo from Dec. 24

As we first reported, Evelyn, an asylum-seeking Peruvian-born woman who has a 10-year-old child here, was arrested outside her workplace at Ho Foods on Christmas Eve morning. 

After receiving a summertime removal order from a judge, Evelyn had been wearing an ankle monitor and arriving at monthly check-ins at Federal Plaza while she appealed her case. It is unclear what led to her arrest at work that day on Seventh Street between Avenue A and First Avenue. 

While at work in the Ho Foods prep kitchen, Evelyn was notified via the USCIS app that her ankle monitor needed adjustment and that she needed to step outside her place of employment to meet agents. 

When she stepped out the door, she was immediately arrested and taken by masked ICE agents, as shown in this video clip filmed by Jeannine Kiely. 

Within hours of her arrest, Evelyn was transferred from Federal Plaza to Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) El Paso Camp East Montana, in El Paso, Texas. 

Friends scrambled to file a habeas corpus petition (a legal filing that challenges potentially unlawful detention and confinement) on her behalf, and it was filed three minutes before the plane wheels touched down in Texas, giving New York (US District Court, Southern District) jurisdiction over the case. Her family found out she'd been transferred to Southern Texas her via the online ICE tracking portal. 

This was the first known DHS ICE arrest in our neighborhood, and interest in what happened to Evelyn and participation in her fundraiser has been high. 

We spoke with Evelyn's friend, former coworker, and activist Zibby Trewartha-Weiner for an update.

What happened to Evelyn's case after she was arrested? 

The initial meeting (an Order To Show Cause) was held via Zoom on Jan. 2, 2026, before Judge Vernon Broderick in the Southern District of New York. He expressed frustration with the incorrect information the ICE lawyers had. Counsel stated that she was picked up at an immigration check-in, which was incorrect, and the judge was upset by this misinformation. Especially since it was a holiday. 

We hear that Evelyn must be returned to New York. Do you know where and when she will be returned?

All I know is the "NYC area" — reportedly, via the counsel for ICE/DHS, there is limited bedspace for women in the area. They need a court order, which I believe is what is in process. 

Does she have official paperwork in for transfer and jurisdiction? 

There is notice that she must be transferred for any hearing and cannot be deported. We have a timeline for her hearing and case: amended petition on Jan. 9; respondent to file an answer to the amended petition on Jan. 20; petitioner to file any reply on Jan. 26. She has a G-28 document (a notice of entry of appearance as an attorney or accredited representative). 

Which judge is sitting/presiding on the case? 

Edgardo Ramos. 

We were told that when ICE took her, they didn't let her get her glasses, and that she has vision challenges without them. Has she received her glasses? 

The request for glasses to be sent was received on Jan. 2. We are waiting to confirm that the glasses will be received by her before sending. 

Is there still an ongoing need for fundraising? 

We don't know the financial constraints yet of the detainment. We have heard that people often have to pay for detainment fees, etc. We are hoping that the money we have raised will support those costs.

That being said, she worked a 40-hour week and rarely took time off, so there is a significant amount of her income being halted. 

Has anyone spoken with her? 

Yes, family, lawyer, and friends. 

How is she? 

Hard question to answer — stressed, but understanding and patient. I mean, how could you be?

What would you like to see from the East Village community? 

Keep an eye on it! Don't let the news fall below the surface. We need pressure to get her moved, etc. 

Has she received assistance from any elected officials? Have any organizations/people been especially helpful? 

Assistance in the form of contacts, yes; however, the lawyer that we are working with came through a coworker. That being said, Make the Road has also offered legal assistance. 

For now, we are continuing to work with lawyer Margot Hoppin, because she now has so much information regarding the case. She has been by far the most helpful! We have also received support from UnLocal. The bulk of the financial support has come from Ho Foods staff, former staff, and immediate friends and family. 

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We have reached out to ICE officials for comment, but have received only "out of the office until after January 5" replies. We will continue to monitor this developing story. 

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• On Christmas Eve morning, ICE agents take East Village restaurant worker into custody on 7th Street

Week in Grieview

From a holiday week with fewer posts than usual … with an NYE  photo on 1st Avenue by Derek Berg

Never miss an EVG post with the weekly EVG newsletter. Free right here. 

• Stella of Ray's Candy Store, remembered by the neighborhood (Dec. 29) 

• Metro Acres Market confirmed for former East Village Rite Aid (Dec. 30) 

• Bands we like: Homade (Jan. 2) 

• Reading the signs: An art show opens at Psychic Readings on 5th Street (Jan. 4) 

• Openings: Justin’s Salt Bread on 2nd Avenue (Jan. 2) … Moon Coffee Lab on 1st Street (Dec. 29) 

• A hazy shade of winter in Tompkins Square Park (Dec. 29) 

• A December EVG recap (Dec. 30) 

• The most-viewed EVG stories of 2025 (Dec. 31) 

... and an NYE photo on St. Mark's Place via EVG reader Jason D. Newton...

6 posts from December

A mini month in review... with a scene from Orchard and Delancey on the LES... 

• Stella of Ray’s Candy Store, remembered by the neighborhood (Dec. 29) 

• NYPD makes an arrest in the hit-and-run driver who killed a pedestrian on Clinton and Stanton (Dec. 22) 

• The secret life of Key Food’s holiday decorations (Dec. 17) 

• Timeline for reopening northern section of East River Park pushed to end of 2027 (Dec. 16) 

• SantaCon 2025 recap: A quieter crawl through the East Village? (Dec. 15) 

• Scenes from the 34th annual Tompkins Square Park tree lighting (Dec. 14)

Scenes of the season, lately

A few holiday scenes as seen the last two weeks (or so)... a happy holiday season one and all!

Dec. 23's parting shots

Photos by Stacie Joy 

A holiday tip reminder at C&B, 178 E. Seventh St. near B... and a rat-adorned Christmas tree at Spooksvilla + Friends, 309 E. Ninth St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue...

[Updated] NYPD searching for the hit-and-run driver who killed pedestrian on Clinton and Stanton

Photos by Stacie Joy 

Updated: Police have arrested a 54-year-old suspect who is accused of striking the woman in the crosswalk, PIX 11 reported this morning. Streetsblog has a detailed piece here on how the NYPD made the case and the arrest.

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Police continue to look for the driver of an SUV who fatally struck a woman Thursday evening on the Lower East Side and then left the scene. 

According to the NYPD, the collision occurred around 7 p.m. as the driver was making a right turn from Clinton Street onto Stanton Street. The woman was reportedly crossing Stanton Street from south to north in the crosswalk when she was hit. 

Witnesses told police that a black SUV fled the scene immediately after the collision. 

The woman was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The investigation is ongoing. Authorities have not released the name of the victim, who was believed to be in her 60s.

The NYPD has been canvassing the area in search of leads. Yesterday, officers were seen stopping drivers nearby.

Streetsblog cited city stats showing that in the 30-square-block Lower East Side this year, there have been 478 reported crashes, injuring 235 people, including 60 cyclists and 46 pedestrians. 

Someone has left a handwritten message on the scene: 

We are so sorry about the tragic loss of our neighbor during the holiday season. Our condolences to her family and friends.

Sunday's parting shot (MulchFest Edition)

Photo by Steven 

MulchFest signage has arrived in Tompkins Square Park four days before Christmas for anyone who wants to drag their tree here between now and Jan. 11. 

Chipping Weekend is Jan. 10-11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ... and the fastest way to turn holiday cheer into neighborhood mulch. 

More on this (oh yes) in the days ahead.

Week in Grieview

Posts this past week included (with a post-Sunday-snowfall pic in Tompkins by Stacie Joy)

Never miss an EVG post with the weekly EVG newsletter. Free right here. 

• Timeline for reopening northern section of East River Park pushed to end of 2027 (Dec. 16) 

• SantaCon 2025 recap: A quieter crawl through the East Village? (Dec. 15) 

• Mark Bittman’s Community Kitchen wraps up Lower East Side pilot (Dec. 17) 

• Scenes from the 34th annual Tompkins Square Park tree lighting (Dec. 14) 

• Marky Ramone visits ¡Adios Amigos! for Bowery Beat coffee launch (Dec. 15) 

• Afterword Bookshop debuts on 6th Street (Dec. 13) 

• Art where you can find it (Dec. 19) 

• The final Saturdays of Bluestockings (Dec. 19) 

• The secret life of Key Food’s holiday decorations (Dec. 17) 

• PureGym officially takes over Blink Fitness (Dec. 15) 

• Signage alert: Justin’s Salt Bread on 2nd Avenue (Dec. 16) 

• A coffee shop percolating for 22 St. Mark’s Place (Dec. 17) 

• UZ Grill House, in grand-opening mode, has not been opening lately (Dec. 17) 

• The former Spice Brothers space is for rent on St. Mark’s Place (Dec. 19) 

• EVG turns 18 (Dec. 21)

Santa delivers again at the 9th Precinct’s annual holiday visit

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

Santa (Claus) made his annual visit with the 9th Precinct yesterday, setting up shop inside the Manhattan School for Career Development on Fourth Street.

There was a line of families waiting for a visit, but no shortage of holiday cheer — or toys. Kids 12 and under were greeted with tables full of gifts, with many leaving happily clutching more than one, thanks to the generous supply.

Members of the NYPD's auxiliary program helped distribute toys and refreshments and kept the event running smoothly.

Despite the wait, spirits stayed high, with plenty of smiles, photo ops and seasonal good vibes all around.

Check out some photos from the event...

The secret life of Key Food’s holiday decorations

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy

As you've likely noticed, Key Food on Avenue A is officially in full holiday mode, including 24/7 Christmas music  … and this year, we somehow got a peek at how the magic actually happens. Or at least where it's stored.

Key is always one of the more festive stores around, with a surprising number of inflatable characters who look like they've been caffeinated since October. 

Enter manager Richie, who led us into the area where Key keeps its decorations year-round — in repurposed Dole Banana boxes, naturally.

Stacked neatly and labeled with a Sharpie, these humble crates house everything from St. Patrick's Day to Thanksgiving decorations — a full calendar year of festivities packed into fruit boxes.

We also caught an employee in mid-artistry, hand-lettering one of the store's signs. Watching those block letters take shape: part calligraphy, part performance art, all Key Food.

So enjoy the holiday cheer...there's plenty to go around...

P.S. 

We did have permission from the office to take the photos!

Marky Ramone visits ¡Adios Amigos! for Bowery Beat coffee launch

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

Hey ho, let's espresso? Marky Ramone stopped by ¡Adios Amigos! on the Bowery at First Street Friday evening for the launch of Bowery Beat, a new coffee collaboration with Dark Matter Coffee. 

The roast is available here in bagged coffee and super-caffeinated cold brew cans ... you can also pick it up online. 

According to the organizers, a portion of proceeds from Bowery Beat will support the Bowery Beat Foundation, a recently developed nonprofit initiative focused on preserving and expanding access to music education in public schools, particularly in the face of proposed cuts to arts funding. 

Friday’s event included limited-edition Bowery Beat holiday tins and a Q&A between Ramone and New Noise Magazine (below with the Dark Matters team)...

Here's Melody Bleak with the new issue featuring Agnostic Front...

Ramone also graciously chatted with fans and posed for photos.

¡Adios Amigos! (the name from the 14th and final studio record by the Ramones) celebrated its first anniversary here earlier this month. 

Marky Ramone joined the Ramones in 1978. Over the course of his two stints with the band, he played some 1,700 shows and recorded 10 studio albums.

Week in Grieview

Posts this past week included (with a photo Tuesday from Tompkins Square Park) 

Never miss an EVG post with the weekly EVG newsletter. Free right here. 

• Trinity’s SAFH launches winter coat drive (Dec. 10) 

• East Village venue Drom hopes to keep its beat alive with a 2-night fundraiser (Dec. 8) 

• Residents push to save historic Most Holy Redeemer church (Dec. 9)

• Invader’s Lou Reed mosaic was stolen — an East Village resident brought it back as a wheatpaste (Dec. 10) 

• Residents say ‘do not disturb’ to Holiday Inn rooftop bar proposal on the Lower East Side (Dec. 8) 
• Afterword Bookshop debuts on Sixth Street (Dec. 13) 

• About the ‘Vape TY Deposit Box’ on 6th Street (Dec. 12) 

• At the Romy & Michele Saturday Afternoon Tea Dance at Club Cumming (Dec. 12)

• La Salle Academy unveils NBA-designed court at its newly dedicated Dan Buckley Memorial Gymnasium (Dec. 10) 

• Bluestockings Cooperative hosting final closing sale Saturdays through December (Dec. 12) 

• First frost fallout on 1st Avenue (Dec. 7) 

• Turns out Green Line’s latest ‘shutdown’ on Avenue B was self-inflicted: Witnesses (Dec. 7) 

• Lori Jayne moves out of the Time Out Market on 14th Street (Dec. 9) … Smashed Express moves into the Time Out Market (Dec. 10) 

• Soft openings: Himawari Café on 1st Ave. (Dec. 8) 

• New Korean–Italian restaurant seeking beer & wine license at former Black Seed bagels space (Dec. 8) 

• Another short-lived stint on St. Mark’s: Chocolate DIP appears to have closed (Dec. 8) 

 ... and life imitates art on Second Avenue (photo by Derek Berg)...

SantaCon 2025 arrives Saturday. Prepare accordingly.

SantaCon 2024 outside Solas on 9th Street. Photo by Stacie Joy. 

In case you were blissfully enjoying the holiday season, SantaCon 2025 takes place on Saturday. 

The annual pub crawl — an alleged charitable event, per published reports — kicks off this year at 410 a.m.at 140th and Broadway. From here, the entire tri-state area is effectively under a red alert.

A $17 "donation" gets you a Santa Badge and access to participating bars, mostly in Midtown West and East. And, as always, the East Village remains a main attraction.

Most of the participating local venues remain the same...

• Amsterdam Billiards & Bar, 110 E. 11th St. at Fourth Avenue 

• 10 Degrees Bar, 121 St. Mark's Place between Avenue A and First Avenue 

• The Laurels, 231 Second Ave. at 14th St. 

• Coyote Ugly, 233 E. 14th St., between Second Avenue and Third Avenue 

• Solas, 232 E. Ninth St. between Second Avenue and Third Avenue (serving as a "Huge Venue")

• Bull McCabe's, 29 St. Mark's Place between Second Avenue and Third Avenue 

• Doc Holliday's, 141 Avenue A at Ninth Street 

• Horseshoe Bar/7B, 108 Avenue B at Seventh Street 

New this year: 

• Sly Fox, 140 Second Ave. between Ninth Street and 10th Street. 

As we've seen in previous Cons, bars not on the official list also participate, including Downtown Social on Second Avenue at Ninth Street and Eastpoint on Avenue B between Second Street and Third Street. 

Per EVG's Stacie Joy last year: "Though not incident-free, the 2024 edition of SantaCon showed signs of being more manageable than in previous years. For some, that may be a holiday miracle in itself." 

Can we make it two miracles in a row? 

Monday's parting shot

The annual holiday lights at 327 E. Fifth St. between First Avenue and Second Avenue...

Residents say ‘do not disturb’ to Holiday Inn rooftop bar proposal on the Lower East Side

Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy 

Updated 12/9: CB's SLA Committee denied this application during the Dec. 8 meeting.

Residents on the Lower East Side are speaking out against a proposal to add a rooftop bar to the Holiday Inn at 150 Delancey St., ahead of the hotel's appearance before Community Board 3's SLA Committee tonight. 

In a letter submitted to CB3, neighbors say the plan — an alteration to the hotel's existing liquor license — would bring unwanted noise and late-night activity to an area that is already heavily burdened by nightlife.

According to the hotel's questionnaire, the rooftop bar and dining area would feature 12 tables with four seats each, 15 bar seats, and six booth seats. The proposed hours are noon to 11 p.m. daily. 

Residents note that a similar rooftop request at this location was rejected a decade ago, and they argue that conditions on Suffolk Street, a primarily residential corridor, have only worsened since. They point to ongoing issues with nearby rooftop venues/horror shows such as The DL, Hotel Chantelle, Mr. Purple and The Delancey. 

The letter outlines several concerns: 

• Noise: A rooftop bar four stories above homes could affect an estimated 1,000 residents between Delancey and Rivington. 

• Nightlife saturation: Neighbors say the area is already oversaturated with bars and clubs, triggering CB3's policy requiring clear public benefit for any expansion — something opponents say this proposal lacks. 

• Safety and congestion: Residents cite crowding, sanitation problems and sidewalk congestion on the narrow block. 

The letter concludes by urging CB3 to once again deny the rooftop request, saying the hotel's indoor basement and ground-floor bars are already sufficient and far more appropriate for the area. 

Resident Pam Ito, whose building abuts the Holiday Inn — now undergoing exterior maintenance — invited EVG over to show what the situation looks like (and sounds like). Residents like Ito were here before the hotel arrived in 2013.

... and the section of the roof slated for the proposed outdoor bar.

For Ito and her neighbors, it's a reminder of how close — and how loud — any rooftop activity would be.

Tonight's meeting is at 6:30. The Zoom link is here. This is a hybrid meeting, and limited seating is available for the public — the first 15 people who show up at the Community Board 3 Office, 59 E. Fourth St., between Second Avenue and the Bowery.