Source: ICE-detained family returning to Sackets Harbor

Yahoo

07-04-2025

SACKETS HARBOR, N.Y. (WWTI) – A family taken during an immigration sweep near Sackets Harbor is returning home.
This is according to an announcement from State Assemblyman Scott Gray's office that was made on Monday, April 7.
'We want them back': Three students, seven people total in custody after ICE raid in Sackets Harbor, school district reacts
'I am pleased to share that the family at the center of this recent federal immigration matter is being returned home,' Gray said. 'Federal authorities have confirmed that the family will be returned safely—an outcome we are all profoundly grateful to occur.'
A mother and her three children were detained after a sweep of the North Harbor Dairy Farm on Thursday, March 27.
Federal authorities arrested a South African man on child pornography charges. The search warrant issued allowed officials to search the entire property.
The family had been sent to an out-of-state detention center after being swept up in the unrelated investigation.
The Sackets Harbor community came out in support of the family, which included a march of around 1,000 people demanding the release of the family.
'Throughout this process, I have remained in close communication with relevant federal agencies to ensure that due process was followed and that the children's best interests and the community's integrity were respected,' Gray added. 'The authorities have confirmed the release of the family following a health review, follow-up with ICE witness coordinator and investigative interview with the case agent in charge of the investigation. ICE has made an independent decision to release the family while the criminal investigation continues to be conducted.'
This follows and confirms the process as detailed by Border Czar Tom Homan, Gray said.
While we welcome the resolution, it is despite the spread of misinformation from many sources surrounding this case. Much of what occurred during the criminal investigation—particularly any considerations that potentially could have involved the children—is sensitive information and not a subject for public misconstrued banter. Their safety and well-being and the integrity of ongoing legal criminal investigations are paramount.
State Assemblyman Scott Gray
There was no timetable given on when the family would be returning to the area.
'This has been a difficult and emotional matter for many. Let us now come together and set aside the differences that separated us during this ordeal. We must support the family and recommit ourselves as a community to ensure that all actions taken—by institutions or individuals—are grounded in truth, compassion, and responsibility,' Gray concluded.
A statement was released by Sackets Harbor Central School District Superintendent Jennifer Gaffney.
'My colleagues and I are relieved and grateful to share that, after eleven days of uncertainty, our students and their mother are returning home. We remain committed to providing the care, understanding, and sensitivity necessary for all students and staff as we begin the healing process from this traumatic experience. In the midst of this difficult time, the strength, compassion, and resilience of our community have shone through. We are very thankful to everyone who has reached out with kindness and offered support. At this time, we respectfully ask both the media and the community to honor the family's privacy.'
New York Governor Kathy Hochul also weighed on the situation and thanked Assemblyman Gray for his help in the process.
'When a Sackets Harbor family was detained by ICE last month, I called on ICE to provide answers immediately and spoke with White House Border Czar Tom Homan to call for their release. Moments ago, I spoke once again with Mr. Homan who informed me that this family – a third grader, two teenagers and their mother – are currently on their way back to Jefferson County. I cannot imagine the trauma these kids and their mom are feeling, and I pray they will be able to heal when they return home.'
'I also spoke with Assemblyman Scott Gray, who has played a critical role in this process advocating for his constituents. I want to thank him and the entire Sackets Harbor community who rallied to support their neighbors.
'New York has been consistent: we are open to working with federal immigration enforcement to crack down on gang members or violent criminals. But I will never support cruel actions that rip kids out of school or tear families apart.'
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