Local groups protest ICE arrests; residents voice fear and frustration in Sag Harbor

Christine Sampson reported that Organizacion Latino Americana of Eastern Long Island said federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested three men in Greenport this week who, the group said, have no criminal record and have lived locally for decades. The organization also said the men have families to support, including one with a young infant.

The report noted that more than 200 people gathered Jan. 31 at Riverhead Town Hall to protest recent ICE operations. Sampson said community members held candlelight vigils the night before in memory of two people killed in Minneapolis during ICE-related operations.

In man-on-the-street interviews produced as the "Ollie Asks" segment, Sag Harbor residents described frustration and fear. Janice told the young correspondent she found current ICE activity "absolutely ridiculous," saying it was "insincere and illegal." Jim LaRocca said local residents are worried about due process and described ICE as "very heavy handed," urging that law-enforcement protocols such as warrants and de-escalation techniques be followed. Rosanna Miller said she was disturbed by reported tactics and told Ollie, "They arrest people without warrants," adding that such actions take away community peace.

The broadcast named Anita Boyer as a local organizer involved in the Riverhead rally and quoted town officials praising police cooperation with demonstrators. The program did not report any formal government action taken in response to the arrests; it said demonstrations and community organizing were continuing.

What happens next: the report said community protests are ongoing and that state lawmakers have introduced a draft bill addressing local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement (see related coverage).