Long Island Communities Unite Against Federal Fear Tactics

Deputy Speaker Phil Ramos addresses hundreds at Brentwood’s “Keep Our Families Together” rally against ICE raids and federal overreach.

BRENTWOOD, NY - More than 250 Long Island residents gathered in Brentwood on Sunday for a powerful rally against the recent wave of federal immigration enforcement actions, demanding dignity, protection, and accountability in the face of fear. Organized by Islip Forward, the “Keep Our Families Together” rally brought together community leaders, youth organizers, families impacted by ICE, and elected officials—including New York State Deputy Speaker Phil Ramos and Islip Town Councilman Jorge Guadron.

Brentwood holds deep symbolic weight for Long Island’s immigrant communities. It was here—on January 23, 2025—that the very first ICE sighting of the Trump-Vance Administration in Suffolk County was documented. Since that day, Brentwood and other immigrant communities in Suffolk County have become both a ground zero for unjust enforcement and a beacon of resistance.

“We didn’t show up because we’re afraid—we showed up because we’re fed up,” said Ahmad Perez, founder of Islip Forward and creator of the Suffolk County ICE Tracker. “Our neighbors are being pulled over, questioned, and taken—without warning and without cause. This rally was a reminder that Long Island isn’t going to look the other way. We’re standing up, and we’re not backing down.”

Speakers shared personal stories of harassment and intimidation, including the targeting of a U.S. citizen mother from Brentwood and two brothers from Central Islip with no criminal records who were deported to El Salvador after being swept up in ICE operations. Many called for immediate public oversight and the passage of statewide protections for immigrant families.

Despite what some may claim, this is not solely a federal issue—local and state officials have the power and responsibility to act. From Suffolk County to the State Capitol in Albany, elected leaders can pass legislation to strengthen data privacy, limit local agency collaboration with ICE, require transparency from federal enforcement operations, and establish oversight mechanisms when raids occur. Lawmakers can also introduce bills mandating disclosure of ICE activity in schools, hospitals, and courts, ensuring communities are not targeted in spaces meant to provide care and justice.

The ICE Tracker, developed by Islip Forward, has logged over 60,000 uses and recently began issuing push notifications to over 3,000 residents to help increase transparency. Its growing popularity reflects deep community concern and urgency.