Former President Donald Trump's scheduled arraignment have calmed the streets of Manhattan’s civic center. But just about a block away, dozens of immigrants stood outside the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) district office in Federal Plaza, looking anxious and confused.
Many had immigration interviews and other matters scheduled for Tuesday and were now finding out that the USCIS offices were closed because of security threats related to the Trump proceedings.
Some marveled at the irony that a politician and former president known for his anti-immigrant stance had once again managed to interject himself into their lives, even on the day of his arrest on criminal charges.
“Trump is paying for his actions but that does not make me happy,” said Gloria, a 52-year-old undocumented migrant from Bosa, Colombia, who had an interview scheduled Tuesday for a political asylum claim. “Who am I to judge him? I did the right thing. I’m here for my hearing and I’m being turned away.”
She arrived in New York one month ago after crossing the border from Mexico to San Diego, she said. Gloria did not want to her full name used, saying her family has been targeted by gang violence back home and she fears that speaking publicly about their plight could hurt her asylum claim.
Security guards outside the USCIS district office turned away people showing up for appointments. Among them was an 8-year-old girl from China who was present with her immigration attorney Adam Kopchian.
He implored the security guards to let him in with his client so they can show they appeared. “This interview is very important to her,” Kopchian said.
But they were turned away by one security guard, who said, "there is no one in the building," and cited security threats. Frustrated, Kopchian walked back to his office with the girl and her mother.
“They’re not attorneys and they don’t represent USCIS,” Kopchian said of the security guards.
The immigrants outside the district office were handed sheets of paper instructing them to reschedule their interviews online. CNN is seeking comment from USCIS.