28-01-2025
ICE officials confirmed in another CT town. Police say they remain ‘committed to serving everyone'
Immigration officials have been confirmed in another Connecticut town.
Authorities with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency were recently in Windham carrying out 'enforcement actions,' according to the Willimantic Police Department.
In a statement issued Tuesday, police said they were aware of the presence of ICE and were not involved in the agency's operations.
'We want to assure residents that the ICE officers are operating within the bounds of their legal authority,' the police department said.
'There is no immediate cause for concern, and we encourage all residents to continue their daily activities as usual,' police continued. 'Should circumstances change, we will reassess and inform the public as soon as possible.'
'At the Willimantic Police Department, our priority is the safety and well-being of all our residents,' Willimantic Police Chief Fabian Silva said in the statement. 'We want to reassure the community that ICE operations are separate from our local law enforcement activities. We remain committed to serving everyone in our community with fairness, respect, and integrity.'
In a post made to Facebook, the Windham Human Services Department said it was aware of the presence of ICE agents and that 'our hearts go out to the families who may be impacted during this challenging time.'
'We want you to know that we stand in solidarity with all members of our community, regardless of immigration status,' the Human Services Department wrote.
'While the Human Services Department cannot provide legal advice, we are here to help with information and referrals to trusted organizations that specialize in immigration resources. Additionally, we have Spanish-speaking staff available to assist with translations and guide you to the appropriate support.'
The presence of ICE officials in Windham comes amidst reports that immigration authorities have been spotted in multiple Connecticut towns and cities. These reports follow President Donald J. Trump announcing a mass deportation plan.
The East Harford Police Department confirmed on Monday that ICE had entered a home in their town. According to the Connecticut Legislative Black and Puerto Rican Caucus, there have also been reports of ICE officials being seen in Bridgeport, the lower Fairfield County and on Park Street in Hartford. A spokesperson for the Hartford Mayor's Office denied these claims, saying the sighting was a number of police officers who were out to lunch.
'We have no reports of increased ICE activity in Hartford at this point,' said Cristian Corza, deputy chief of staff for the mayor's office.
A spokesperson for ICE did not immediately return a request for comment Tuesday.
