Islip Extends Troubling ICE Partnership
The town of Islip has renewed its contentious partnership with ICE, enabling agents to continue training at publicly funded shooting ranges in various Long Island towns.
This agreement, which has been active for almost 20 years, was reaffirmed last week by a 4-1 vote from the predominantly Republican town council. It permits multiple federal agencies, including ICE, alongside state and local organizations, to utilize Suffolk County’s municipal gun ranges.
Although the resolution introduces new language that restricts ICE’s usage of the facility, critics are incensed, arguing it seems that the site hasn’t been used for those restricted purposes anyway.
The Islip Town Board clarified that this new language specifies that the range “shall not be used for detention, confinement, processing, transportation, housing, administrative services, or other governmental purposes other than training.”
Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter stated, “This resolution authorizes Department of Homeland Security law enforcement officers to use the town’s shooting range solely for firearms qualification and training purposes.”
However, state Representative Phil Ramos, a Democrat from Islip, expressed his strong discontent with the decision. He stated, “We are extremely disappointed that the Town of Islip has chosen to renew this agreement despite overwhelming concerns from residents, advocates, and community leaders.”
He added, “When local governments provide facilities, resources, and support to institutions that cause fear, family separation, and serious civil rights concerns in immigrant communities, it can no longer be dismissed as a routine administrative matter.”
The partnership with ICE first gained notoriety in July when it became public that ICE agents were utilizing the range. This angered many who are part of a broader movement to limit the agency’s power, given ongoing allegations of misconduct.
Carpenter defended the use of the range, noting it serves a crucial role in the training of various law enforcement personnel, not just local police, but also bodies like the U.S. Department of the Treasury and state park police.
Since this incident, protestors from the advocacy group Islip Forward have shown up at town meetings, calling for an end to the partnership. Jorge Guadrón, the lone Democratic member of the board, had previously proposed terminating the agreement but ultimately voted against the renewal last week. The contract is now set to last until June 30, 2028, with an option to extend for another three years.
While only a small group of protesters attended a recent rally, they refrained from making speeches or using aggressive language. Yet, Islip Forward founder Ahmad Perez expressed his disappointment with the council’s decision. “No amount of contractual language can change the reality that this agreement further ties our city to a government agency that has torn families apart and spread fear throughout immigrant communities,” he remarked.
