A taxpayer-funded gun range in Suffolk County has turned into a training space for ICE agents, thanks to a new deal between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the town of Islip.
The public only learned about this arrangement after ICE agents were spotted at the range, which sparked concerns from local activists and state legislators affiliated with Islip Democrats.
It’s unclear when this agreement was officially established.
Activist Phil Ramos criticized the contract as “dehumanizing,” expressing disappointment about it being made in a community that has a substantial Hispanic taxpayer population—almost 20% according to recent census data.
Ramos stated, “I am deeply disappointed that such a decision has been made in a community that proudly holds the most concentrated Hispanic taxpayers in New York, outside of New York City.”
Locally, ICE agents have been known to stop individuals without clear justification, differing from typical federal agency practices. Lawmakers have highlighted numerous lawsuits, allegations of civil rights infringements, and instances of wrongful arrests involving Hispanic residents as evidence of the agency’s controversial actions.
Despite these concerns, town officials maintain that the deal isn’t unprecedented, claiming similar contracts have existed in the past.
Islip Town Manager Angie Carpenter emphasized that the agreement with DHS isn’t a new development, referencing contracts dating back to the early 2000s. She noted that the town’s rifle range is one of the few on Long Island and is critical for training law enforcement personnel, including those from Nassau County and the U.S. Treasury Department.
Carpenter explained that these partnerships help ensure that both local and federal law enforcement use firearms safely and effectively.
She also pointed out that federal training at local facilities is a common practice, with ICE being just one of several DHS agencies conducting firearm training nationwide.
However, Ramos remains unconvinced, arguing that these explanations don’t assuage the fears of the community. He insisted, “If ICE is training firearms at a town facility, the town of Islip makes those operations possible directly.”
The debate surrounding this arrangement has intensified, especially following a recent dispute where Ramos confronted a firefighter about using a local fire station’s parking lot during immigration enforcement actions.
Currently, the town has not provided any comments in response to inquiries concerning the DHS contract.
