12 hours ago
Suffolk County residents turn to app for ICE activity alerts
SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. (PIX11) — A surge in recent ICE activity on Long Island has led more residents to use an app that tracks ICE sightings across Suffolk County.
Initiated by Islip Forward, a grassroots organization in Suffolk County, the ICE Tracker offers real-time alerts when ICE operations are spotted in neighborhoods.
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'We created this tracker because Suffolk residents deserve to know when ICE is in our neighborhoods. Every child deserves to come home to their parents. Every parent deserves the chance to build a life without the threat of a black vest at the door,' said Ahmad Perez, founder and Executive Director of Islip Forward.
Recently, ICE agents stopped Elzon Lemus, a 23-year-old Brentwood citizen, who says he was targeted simply because he is Hispanic.
ICE agents were also observed in Westbury, just a block away from the Park Avenue Elementary School. One agent was also involved in a motor vehicle accident.
Residents also expressed concern that operations were so close to school grounds.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman addressed the idea of ICE entering schools. 'I think I just made it clear. The program is not intended to go into schools unless there's a danger. If there's a danger, I would support our police officers going into the school first, but they are not going into schools. We have talked to them. They are not asking witnesses or victims of crime for their immigration status.'
Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.
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