A small group of protesters gathered Tuesday on the steps of the Nassau County legislative building to tell President Donald Trump not to come to Bethpage Wednesday.

President Trump will attend a forum on MS-13 Wednesday afternoon at the Morrelly Homeland Security Center in Bethpage.

The White House issued a public "need to know" statement Monday night, saying "The violent animals of MS-13 have committed heinous, violent attacks in communities across America".
 

President Trump addressed the MS-13 issue during a speech in Brentwood last July, and Rep. Peter King invited him back.

“He wants to keep the momentum going. And also with immigration legislation pending in Congress, he wants to make sure that whatever is done with that includes stricter terms and stricter conditions for gangs,” says King.

Walter Barrientos, of Make The Road New York, says things have not improved for the immigrant community since last July. But there are also those who applaud the president for coming to Long Island to directly address the MS-13 problem.

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran issued a statement, saying she accepted the White House invitation to attend.

“It is a unique opportunity to directly seek more federal funds and assistance for law enforcement to combat gangs and gain resources for community groups to keep our youth from joining gangs," said Curran.

Related information on President Trump's visit:
Nassau police are advising citizens to use alternate routes and avoid travel in the area of Grumman Road if possible Wednesday.
South Oyster Bay Road will be closed to all traffic between Grumman Road and Route 107 from 11 a.m. until approximately 4:30 p.m.
Grumman Road is to remain open for business but subject to full closure from South Oyster Bay Road to the end from 1 p.m. until 4:30 p.m.