The town of Islip has expanded its collaboration with immigration and customs enforcement (ICE), deciding to halt motions only from its Democrat board members while terminating its contract with the federal agency.
Jorge Guadron, the sole Democrat on the five-member board, suggested a motion to restrict ICE agents from using the taxpayer-funded gun range for training purposes. However, his proposal was effectively dismissed by other board members before it even reached a vote.
“To preserve the spiritual integrity and happiness of our community, the board seeks to suspend ICE’s access to the rifle ranges,” Guadron stated in his motion.
When Town Manager Angie Carpenter inquired if any other lawmakers supported the motion, the silence was palpable amid a crowd of community members and activists, who spoke out for more than two hours, largely advocating for the contract’s cancellation.
The motion failed, which means ICE can continue using the range for training at least until June of next year, when the contract is due to expire.
Following the failed motion, tensions escalated, with shouts erupting from the audience. Activist Joshua Chang was escorted out by two police officers after a particularly emotional outburst.
“Angie, I don’t want you,” he shouted as he was being led away.
Others in the crowd began chanting “shame,” while some confronted the councillors directly as they exited City Hall.
Despite the uproar, the majority of the GOP members left a meeting where taunts and insults were shouted at them. Most refrained from commenting afterward but later issued a joint statement.
“Those politicizing this matter are fostering unnecessary distrust in our law enforcement, particularly in our already vulnerable communities,” the town of Islip stated.
“Regardless of race, religion, or nationality, the safety and protection of all residents is our top priority.”
In defense of the board’s response, Guadron remarked to reporters that it appeared the audience was not too disturbed by the apparent lack of empathy shown by the board.
He expressed his intent to continue discussions with his fellow councillors, hoping to terminate the contract by next June and to reintroduce the proposal for future consideration.
