ICE protest held during Islip Town Hall holiday lighting Saturday
Islip Forward organized a protest of the town's ICE training contract in front of town hall as a holiday lighting took place Saturday. Credit: Michael A. Rupolo Sr.
Holiday cheer clashed with calls for change as more than 100 protesters gathered across from Islip Town Hall to denounce a controversial agreement the town has with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during its annual holiday parade and tree lighting Saturday.
Lining a metal barricade, protesters chanted "ICE out now" and waved signs that read: "Our home is Islip, not ICElip" as festive floats passed by playing Christmas carols. Hundreds of other people lined Main Street awaiting Santa’s arrival. As town officials lit the tree, demonstrators projected "ICE OUT OF ISLIP" onto town hall.
Islip Forward, a community activist group that advocates for immigrants' rights, organized the protest to disrupt the town's holiday event. They aimed to amplify their plea for town officials to cancel the contract that allows ICE agents to train at the town-owned shooting range on Freeman Avenue.
"While families were crying out, while children were losing parents, while our community was living in a state of fear, the Town of Islip — our town — continued its disgraceful agreement with the Department of Homeland Security," Ahmad Perez, the group's founder, said at a lectern addressing supporters.
Across the street, "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," blared out of a speaker on the town's show mobile. Protesters shouted "Shame on you!" as Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter arrived.
Carpenter said the town respects the right to peacefully protest but said choosing to hold a demonstration during the holiday festival "seems rather Grinch-like" in a statement.
"Disrupting a family-focused event does a disservice to our residents, particularly the many children who look forward to Santa's arrival each year. Events such as this were created to unify our Town and foster togetherness, not an environment of divisiveness," the statement continued.
The protest Saturday was organized by Islip Forward, an activist group that advocates for immigrants' rights. Credit: Michael A. Rupolo Sr.
Islip's agreement with ICE came under scrutiny earlier this year amid President Donald Trump's mass deportation initiative and reports that agents were detaining immigrants on Long Island without prior criminal records, Newsday previously reported.
Government records show the town has a five-year contract with the Department of Homeland Security for use of the town range. The $63,000 deal is set to expire in June.
Islip Councilman Jorge Guadrón, a Democrat, has introduced motions to suspend ICE access to the range but failed to get support on the town's five member board, Newsday reported.
"They have literally sacrificed the immigrant communities that they represent for such a small price tag," Perez added in an interview.
Of the town's 339,938 residents, 118,903 identified as Hispanic or Latino in the 2020 U.S. Census, records show.
Protesters stood behind a metal barricade, brandished signs and chanted as the holiday spectacle took place. Credit: Michael A. Rupolo Sr.
Suffolk County police officers stood between protesters and holiday revelers, though no incidents were reported. Some festivalgoers shook their heads at protesters and mocked them by chanting "ice, ice baby" while walking by.
Immigration agents have arrested more than 1,600 people who have prior convictions on Long Island since Trump's second term began, Newsday previously reported. Officials at the agency did not respond to an inquiry Friday seeking updated data.
Demonstrators sought to humanize the issue that has stoked fear in the community by referencing Long Islanders who have been detained by ICE in recent months.
Wendy Rojano spoke about her father, who Islip Forward officials said was being held at a facility in New Jersey. Credit: Michael A. Rupolo Sr.
Wendy Rojano, 22, of Coram, said her father, Jorge Rojano Corona, was detained by immigration agents after stepping out for a 7-Eleven coffee nearly a month ago. He was being held at a detention facility in New Jersey and has no record, according to Islip Forward officials.
"Nobody should be afraid to just go get a cup of coffee, to get gas, to shop," Rojano said through tears Saturday. "Holidays aren't the same right now. No more families should be torn apart."
Saturday's demonstration included an appearance by Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado, who also called for an end to the gun range contract.
"Our community is not for sale to ICE," he said.
Organizers said they plan to continue calling on the town to terminate the contract. The town did not comment on the contract.
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