Hempstead Village Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr., confirmed to News 12 that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested individuals in the village Thursday.

Freeport Village Mayor Robert Kennedy also confirms to News 12 that ICE carried out operations in Freeport this week.

The Hempstead mayor’s announcement comes after several witnesses sent pictures to News 12 of agents questioning people in a Home Depot parking lot around noon Thursday.

Mayor Hobbs said village law enforcement was notified by federal agents prior to the arrests. 

"ICE was operating with targeted warrants for individuals already identified in federal cases,” said Hobbs in a statement. “These actions were limited and specific in scope.”

A man who saw the arrests happen spoke to News 12 and asked to conceal his identity.

He said agents arrived around noon in unmarked cars and stayed on scene for just under an hour.

"I see ICE, immigration looking for people. I saw maybe around like 20 ICE people," he said. 

"I think they was looking for somebody because they were showing pictures. I think they arrested like eight people."

CARECEN is Long Island’s largest immigration legal services provider. 

Executive director Melanie Creps says fear is growing amongst the immigrant community as ICE agents are seen more across Nassau and Suffolk counties.

"The general feeling is terror, is so much fear,” she said. "From Westbury, Freeport, Hempstead today, there were sightings in Brentwood."

Creps said their clients have even seen FBI agents take part in the arrests across the island. 

FBI New York confirmed their involvement to News 12, saying in a statement, “FBI New York is supporting our partners at the Department of Homeland Security in immigration enforcement operations across the region. FBI special agents are participating in these DHS-led efforts, with our support tailored to meet specific operational needs.”

ICE has said the agency is only targeting those with a criminal record.

Creps says those in the community remain fearful regardless of why agents are there.

"Many of our clients (...) maybe they've cancelled an attorney appointment, cancelled healthcare appointments,” she said. They are afraid to go pick up their children from school."

Nassau police tell News 12 the department was not aware of any Nassau police activity in Hempstead during the ICE operation

News 12 reached out to Nassau County officials and ICE about the arrests Thursday, but has not heard back yet.

The full statement from Hempstead Village Mayor Hobbs: 

“I have been fully briefed and want to be clear: this was not a raid, and there is no sweeping enforcement action taking place in our village. ICE was operating with targeted warrants for individuals already identified in federal cases. These actions were limited and specific in scope.

There were no operations in or around our schools, and there have been no reports of mass arrests. Our local law enforcement was informed in advance, and we remain in close communication with all relevant agencies to ensure transparency and accountability.

To our immigrant families, students, and hard-working residents: you are valued members of this community. We will not tolerate fear-mongering or misinformation. The Village of Hempstead is—and will continue to be—a place of respect, dignity, and safety for all who call it home.

We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as needed. Your safety is my highest priority.”