What began as a routine raid by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE, known as “La Migra”) agents ended in a show of neighborhood solidarity that has gone viral across the country.
Two immigrants working as roofers or rufferos on a Rochester, New York home were caught by ICE agents attempting to detain them in the middle of their workday. The operation was taking place in a residential neighborhood when the workers were on the roof of a house.
Rochester residents defend rufferos
Upon noticing the situation, neighbors and bystanders began to record videos and demanded that the agents leave.
In the images, several people can be heard shouting: “Let them work, they are not hurting anyone”.
Within minutes, the crowd grew.
Dozens of residents of the area took to the streets to symbolically block the presence of the agents.
The protest was peaceful, but firm: slogans were chanted in favor of the immigrant workers and respect was demanded for those who, according to the neighbors, are an active and honest part of the community.
In the face of social pressure and the attention the case was generating on social networks, ICE agents finally withdrew without making arrests.
The workers were able to descend from the roof without being arrested.
Rochester neighbors prevent immigration from taking rufferos
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The episode, recorded from different angles by witnesses, was quickly spread on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, by influencers such as Carlos Espina; accumulating hundreds of thousands of reproductions in a matter of hours.
For many, the video has become a symbol of community resistance to immigration enforcement.
Immigrant rights organizations celebrated the citizen action.
“This shows that not all of society supports the harassment of immigrants. Solidarity can make a difference,” said a spokesperson for Families for Freedom in New York.
Migration context in 2025
The incident occurs at a time of great tension over immigration policy in the United States.
Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January 2025, ICE operations in workplaces and residential neighborhoods have intensified.
This has generated fear in immigrant communities and, at the same time, protests from citizens who consider these practices unfair.
According to figures from the Migration Policy Institute, a significant increase in administrative arrests has been reported so far this year in states such as New York, Texas and California.
This has led to increased mobilization of community groups and human rights defenders.
What to do if you witness an ICE raid
Stay calm and record video: Documenting what happened can be key to legal defense.
Do not interfere physically: You can protest peacefully, but avoid direct confrontations.
Know your rights: Everyone has the right to remain silent and not to sign any document without the advice of an attorney.
Call support organizations: In New York, the Immigrant Defense Project’s helpline is 212-725-6422. Nationally, you can also contact the ACLU for guidance.
Esto demuestra que no toda la sociedad apoya el acoso a los inmigrantes. La solidaridad puede marcar la diferencia
Portavoz de Families for Freedom en New York
