Islip residents urge town to end ICE training contract as concerns grow
Residents said fear is growing in the community, citing what they describe as an increase in ICE activity across the town and Long Island, according to local monitoring groups.
Residents urged the Town Board not to renew a contract allowing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to train at the town’s shooting range.
Residents said fear is growing in the community, citing what they describe as an increase in ICE activity across the town and Long Island, according to local monitoring groups.
“We are seeing them by our schools, delis and supermarkets, and it’s impacted families daily and that’s not an accident. That’s a decision,” said Ahmed Perez, of Islip Forward.
Photos shared with News 12 by the group appear to show federal agents training and jogging near the range in recent months while wearing labeled bulletproof vests.
The Town of Islip did not comment on concerns about the contract but has defended the agreement in the past. In a statement posted on its website, the town said it has allowed the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, to use the rifle range for training since at least the early 2000s. Officials added the facility is also used to train local and state law enforcement agencies.
“Why are we entertaining and bringing these people in? Making it look like the town is OK with them doing what they’re doing to our community?” said East Islip resident Erin Sforza.
The contract is set to expire in June if the town does not renew it.
