Demonstrators ask police to say ‘no’ to ICE, rebuild trust

<p>The deportation of a man following a routine traffic stop in Nassau has sparked allegations that the county's police force is working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.&nbsp;</p>

News 12 Staff

Aug 30, 2017, 5:47 PM

Updated 2,424 days ago

Share:

The deportation of a man following a routine traffic stop in Nassau has sparked allegations that the county's police force is working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. 
Immigration attorneys and others rallied Wednesday in Mineola to protest Denis Guerra Guerra's deportation. His attorney Elise Damas says he has no criminal history and was arrested in Roosevelt earlier this month after getting pulled over for failure to use his turn signal. 
Damas does acknowledge that Guerra Guerra, 30, had a federal "removal order" pending since 2006, but she says Nassau police should not be enforcing a civil immigration matter.
"You're Nassau County PD. You are not ICE agents. It's that simple," says Damas. 
In a statement, acting Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said, "The Nassau County Police Department will not inquire into any person's immigration status unless they are arrested for a crime."
Police say at the time of Guerra Guerra's arrest, officers believed he had committed a crime because he had a razor blade knife in his car. That charge was dropped soon afterward when Guerra Guerra was brought to the precinct.
The demonstrators, who hand-delivered letters to the Mangano administration, say they want the county to be honest about its policy regarding undocumented immigrants. 
The paperwork delivered to County Executive Ed Mangano included a letter from Rep. Tom Suozzi. He said he feels it is "counterproductive to Nassau's long-term community policing efforts to facilitate the deportation of individuals who have not committed a crime." 
The deputy county executive acknowledged receipt of the letters, but said the issue of Guerra Guerra's arrest is under the police department's jurisdiction.
Some Nassau residents like Pat Nicolisi say Nassau police should be helping federal agents deport undocumented immigrants. 
"We pay a lot of taxes in Nassau County. Welcome to the United States, but come here legally," says Nicolisi.


More from News 12
2:05
Long Island native ID’d as person who set himself on fire outside Trump trial in Manhattan

Long Island native ID’d as person who set himself on fire outside Trump trial in Manhattan

1:35
Cloudy start to the weekend before sun comes through

Cloudy start to the weekend before sun comes through

0:37
Officials: Wildlife rehabilitator took raccoons into her Merrick home without required rabies license

Officials: Wildlife rehabilitator took raccoons into her Merrick home without required rabies license

1:42
FBI on alert as Jewish Long Islanders prepare to celebrate Passover

FBI on alert as Jewish Long Islanders prepare to celebrate Passover

0:22
East Northport man sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing great niece

East Northport man sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing great niece

1:44
Islandia woman turns 106, offers secret to long life

Islandia woman turns 106, offers secret to long life

2:28
Islanders owner surprises fans with free playoff tickets

Islanders owner surprises fans with free playoff tickets

0:35
Calverton man pleads guilty to attempted murder charges related to opening fire at Bellport vigil

Calverton man pleads guilty to attempted murder charges related to opening fire at Bellport vigil

1:46
Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

0:51
Baldwin students learn business skills with 'Little Lenox Bakery'

Baldwin students learn business skills with 'Little Lenox Bakery'

0:35
Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

1:46
Gov. Hochul announces harsher penalties for illegal smoke shops

Gov. Hochul announces harsher penalties for illegal smoke shops

2:10
News 12 provides tips on the do's and don'ts of recycling

News 12 provides tips on the do's and don'ts of recycling

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

1:55
The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

0:13
Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

0:47
Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

0:42
Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

0:23
Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road

Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road