They arrived just before dawn on Thursday morning in vans on the quiet streets under the cover of helicopters flying low overhead.

Out of their vehicles stepped agents resembling soldiers, clad head to toe in camouflaged body armor, wearing helmets, and brandishing long guns. They looked ready for war in hostile enemy territory. The menacing sight would certainly send civilians running for cover in fear and give pause to anyone who dared to resist.

Is this a scene out of Afghanistan, Iraq, Ukraine, or Venezuela? No.

It’s Jackson Heights, Queens.

The agents were none other than members later identified as Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) officials. HSI has been working alongside of ICE in the Trump administration’s ongoing immigration crackdown.

On Thursday, Dec. 4, they came to

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