'Free America' walkout: Long Islanders in show of resistance to Trump policies

More than 150 people voiced their grievances Tuesday over deportation raids and the overall state of the nation outside the offices of elected officials as part of a nationwide protest against Trump administration policies.

Protesters assembled outside the offices of Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) in Patchogue and Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Democrats from New York, in Melville.

Outside Garbarino’s office, some demonstrators held signs reading, "Where’s Garbarino?" and "What happened to liberty and justice for all?" Dozens of sticky notes were left outside of the congressman’s office, some saying "Stand up for us!"

Claire Repsholdt, pastor at Lutheran Church of Our Savior in Patchogue, said recent raids from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement have caused fear and devastation.

"People are in hiding," she said. "Our food pantries are receiving less people coming to it because people are afraid to get food; so, people are hungry, people have no work, people are not trusting one another."

"It's a dark situation for the whole community," said Repsholdt, who added that she has tried to organize neighborhood forums with the congressman without success.

The "Free America Walk Out" protest, held one year after President Donald Trump’s inauguration, asked people to leave work, shopping centers and schools to show their support for what organizers are calling the "walk away from fascism" movement. It was coordinated by the Women's March organization.

Last week, Garbarino told Newsday that members of Congress "have a right" to review how the federal ICE and Customs and Border Protection agencies are using their billions of dollars in funding. A spokesperson for Garbarino, who chairs the U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security, could not immediately be reached for comment about the protest.

The crowd eventually made its way through Patchogue’s business district, followed by a few police vehicles. Several drivers honked their horns in support, while a few taunted the crowd, some saying, "We need Greenland," and expressing support for ICE.

Centereach resident Gerry Michalowski, who walked along East Main Street with a sign reading "Welcome to the resistance," said he came out because he doesn't like the country’s direction.

"We don't like the actions that the agents of ICE are doing," he said. "We don't like the way the administration is governing."

Holbrook resident Melanie Apostolico said she doesn’t’ like the administration’s approach to governing and feels that Congress is not serving as an effective check on the president.

She believes that the march can be a catalyst for lawmakers to hear — and act on — protesters’ concerns. "I'm hoping, but, you know, I'm kind of losing hope at the same time," she said.

Several demonstrations were planned on Long Island and New York City, including in Melville where about 50 people marched to the offices of Schumer, the Democratic minority leader, and Gillibrand.

Demonstrators gathered off Pinelawn Road in Melville chanting and holding signs. Organizers said they were asking elected representatives to stand up against ICE, argue for affordable health care and push back against what they view as the Trump administration's weaponizing of the Department of Justice.

Lisa Doty, 39, of Amityville said: "I think it's important that people see us out on the streets. It's important for us to be out here with our neighbors, showing them that we are here and that we do see these things that are wrong and that these things are happening in our communities."

She said the demonstrations also sent a message to elected officials that voters want them to do more. Protesters delivered a letter and list of demands for Schumer and Gillibrand.

Representatives for the senators did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday. 

Several demonstrators said they had to start locally to make their message heard. 

"I think it shows other Long Islanders that they are not alone, that there are people who are willing to stand up and to say, you know, we've had enough of this administration. And maybe give them a little courage to be the next people to step out," said Gio Gliner, 62, of Syosset.

Gliner said voters should start by participating in next year’s midterm election, supporting representatives who will bring stronger congressional oversight.

"Hopefully the people who we vote in do their job, do what they're supposed to do and be there for the American people, not for their own pocketbooks," Gliner said.