WESTBURY, N.Y. (PIX11) -- The presence of ICE agents unsettled residents in Westbury on Tuesday afternoon, prompting what one Assemblymember described as a "community response where residents voiced anger over an obviously excessive and aggressive display of force."
The agents who were reportedly involved in an enforcement operation just a block away from the Park Avenue Elementary School were also involved in a motor vehicle accident with an unidentified motorist.
The concern within immigrant communities continues to be over so-called "collateral" detainments and arrests; that is, being cuffed for simply being in the wrong place at the time.
Residents also expressed concern that operations were so close to school grounds.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman addressed the idea of ICE entering schools. "I think I just made it clear. The program is not intended to go into schools unless there's a danger. If there's a danger, I would support our police officers going into the school first, but they are not going into schools. We have talked to them. They are not asking witnesses or victims of crime for their immigration status."
Meanwhile, an ICE spokesperson sent the following statement to PIX11 News:
"During the operation, special agents were confronted by multiple anti-law enforcement agitators, which prohibited the enforcement action. Shortly thereafter, a member of the law enforcement team was involved in a motor vehicle collision. The involved parties were subsequently surrounded by these agitators before the law enforcement officer was removed from the scene."
It is unclear if and when ICE will return.
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