Protesters gather at SCPD precinct after Facebook video of ICE van

Protesters convened outside the Suffolk County Police Department's Second Precinct in Huntington Saturday to voice concerns about immigration enforcement and alleged collaboration with local law enforcement.

Six days earlier, immigration activist Osman Canales documented a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement van in the precinct's parking lot. His video, posted to Facebook, captures the van and other unmarked vehicles leaving from the lot on Dec. 7, Newsday previously reported.

Suffolk County police say ICE agents were not using the precinct as a staging area for their efforts.

"ICE agents recently used the Second Precinct parking lot because their vehicle had a mechanical issue and [it was] not a staging area," the department said in a statement Friday. "Misinformation being spread unnecessarily creates fear and ultimately harms the community we are working to protect." Officials declined further comment Saturday.

On Saturday, Canales handed American flags to a crowd of about 75 people who lined along Park Avenue outside the precinct and called on the department to end partnerships with federal immigration agents.

Sightings of ICE vans and officers have fueled fear in immigrant communities across Long Island. Advocates like Canales worry that even the perception of a partnership with ICE would make immigrants who are victims of crimes hesitant to reach out to police.

"It's their job as police officers to protect the entire community, regardless of immigration status," Canales said Saturday. "When community members are afraid to call the police for help or to report crime, the entire community is at risk."

As part of his crackdown on illegal immigration, President Donald Trump launched a mass deportation campaign, saying he is targeting dangerous criminals who are in the country illegally. Opponents say many who have been detained and deported have no criminal records, or have committed minor offenses like traffic violations.

Carrying signs that said "Crush ICE" and "Keep families together," protesters chanted "Shame" and at times turned to face nearly two dozen officers who stood stoically behind metal barricades in the parking lot.

No incidents or arrests were reported during the demonstration, police officials at the precinct said.

In its statement Friday, the department also noted that it doesn't enforce federal immigration laws. "Our officers do not ask about the immigration status of crime victims, witnesses, or anyone seeking police assistance," the statement read.

Lisa Mischke, 64, of Huntington Station, said even providing support for a broken-down vehicle crosses a line.

"We don't want [SCPD] to provide aid and comfort for them," she said, referring to ICE.

Dozens of passing motorists honked horns and pumped fists out of their windows in support of rallygoers, while others expressed support for ICE, giving thumbs-down and directing crude gestures at protesters.

ICE did not respond to a request for comment Saturday afternoon.