U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducted a search early on Friday, Jan. 31, announced the City of Peekskill.
According to a release, the Peekskill Police Department Chief Leo Dylewski was informed that federal agencies, including ICE, were looking for an individual with a criminal record. The police department says it had no role in the operation.
Regulations followed by the department, consistent with New York State and Westchester County law, prohibit its members from engaging in law enforcement activities solely for the purpose of enforcing federal immigration law, unless required to do so by a judicial warrant or other federal law.
The regulations comply with all Federal, State and local laws, and have the interest of all residents at the center of its policies, the release said.
In the city’s statement, Mayor Vivian McKenzie said, “What’s most important to me as Mayor and as a lifelong resident of Peekskill is that each and every one of our residents regardless of race, creed or national origin know they are safe in our City.”
She continued, stating, “Immigrants are an important part of this city. We are a community that values diversity and the rights of all people. We all share a common humanity that must be respected and valued.”
At around 8:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, a resident texted the Herald, “ICE is packed and working out of the parking lot next to the police station this morning wearing ICE jackets.” The source referred to a photo they saw, taken by another person, but, citing fear of possible retribution, the person capturing the photo did not feel comfortable having the photo published by the Peekskill Herald. They told us, “It shows ICE agents in the parking building across from the police station getting on their ICE gear.”
As of press time, ICE and police did not respond to a request for more information on the raid.
One resident posted to social media a video showing about five federal law enforcement officers in gear at a property on Main Street.
The city shared information for immigrants to understand their rights at the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. Those interested in helping others understand their rights, also can look at the red “know your rights” cards on the resource center’s website.
