Witnesses report ICE arrests, activity in Freeport
Residents reported a large law enforcement presence on East Seaman Avenue early Thursday morning.
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Residents reported a large law enforcement presence on East Seaman Avenue in Freeport early Thursday morning during what witnesses said was an Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrest.
Video shows agents forcing a man to the ground before taking him into custody. Other photos from the neighborhood appear to show two men being arrested.
Witnesses said the incident began with some type of vehicle pursuit before officers removed two men from a white van and arrested them.
"Three guys holding one man on the floor, that's what I saw," said one eyewitness. "And they were pulling his legs and going through his pockets. They bring in the white bags. And they put everything in the white bag, all his stuff. Then I saw him handcuffed.”
Advocates with Islip Forward said the arrests come amid what they describe as increased immigration enforcement activity on Long Island.
Founder Ahmad Perez said the presence of masked agents in residential communities is causing fear among residents.
“We are seeing a large presence of masked, unidentified armed agents in residential streets, taking individuals into custody," Perez said. "And for folks who live in these communities, it is spreading fear. And what we are seeing now is that folks are scared to leave their homes yet again. And folks who just want peace.”
Perez said ICE agents were also spotted in Hauppauge on Tuesday and Roosevelt on Wednesday.
Authorities have not publicly released details about Thursday's arrests.
