Groups of protesters gathered on Northern Boulevard in Manhasset, Long Island, to demand that local and federal officials sever ties with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The event, titled “ICE Out for Good: Rally to De-ICE Nassau County,” took place Saturday, Feb. 21, on the northeast corner of Northern Boulevard and Port Washington Boulevard, near the Whole Foods shopping center.
A similar protest was held simultaneously on Northern Boulevard and Community Drive, in front of Macy’s.
The rally was organized by several local Democratic clubs, including the Great Neck Democratic Club, the Manhasset Democratic Club, the Albertson/Herricks/New Hyde Park/East Williston/Williston Park Democratic Club and the Port Washington Democratic Club.
Organizers emphasized their commitment to nonviolent action and said participants were expected to act within the law and avoid confrontation.
Julie Appel, a member of the Port Washington Democratic Club, was encouraged by the turnout. “It’s very encouraging to see so many neighbors coming out and wanting to protest injustices,” Appel said. He described his concerns about what he called “undemocratic” and “contrary to the rule of law” actions and said it was important for residents to make their voices heard.
Appel said the demonstration on Long Island’s North Shore was inspired in part by similar initiatives on Long Island’s South Shore.
Among those in attendance was Democratic Assembly candidate Kim Keiserman, who said she was participating as a resident.
“I’m here, actually, as a citizen,” Keiserman said. I think the people of Long Island are watching what’s happening across the country and here, and understanding that the solution is not mass deportations. The solution is comprehensive immigration reform that gives people a path to citizenship and fixes our immigration system, which is in crisis.”
Keiserman criticized what he described as “chaos” and “cruelty” in immigration enforcement.
“We do not want to see masked and unidentified officers entering our communities and forcibly removing hard-working, law-abiding people from their homes and the courts to which they have come in good faith,” he declared.
«That fuels fear in our communities. It hurts our economy. It undermines law enforcement and public safety. “It separates families, leaves children traumatized and impoverished, and raises the threat of a police state in America.”
State Assemblyman Charles Levine also attended the rally and explained his reasons for participating. “I’m almost 80 years old and I’ve been involved in the civil rights movement and the anti-war movement,” Levine said. «I never thought, nor did I imagine, that today I would have to worry about the freedom of my children and my grandchildren. “That’s why we are here.”
Levine added: “There is chaos. Trump is synonymous with chaos. “It seems to thrive or enjoy chaos, and we must do everything we can to ensure the rights of Americans are protected.”
Assemblyman Levine was surprised by the size of the demonstration. «When I arrived by car, I thought we would see 20 or 30 people. I love these types of surprises,” he stressed.
Students from Nassau County High School Democrats also participated. Victor Gao, a junior at Jericho High School, said he and his classmate Tony Pan attended to encourage youth participation.
“We are part of the Nassau County High School Democrats,” Gao said. «We would like to see more young people participate in these types of demonstrations. “We’ve definitely heard a lot of passionate rhetoric at our school about ICE and ‘No Kings’ and stuff like that, but we don’t see a lot of high school students around here… It’s really cool,” Gao said of the turnout.
Pan, also a junior at Jericho High School, said it was significant to see a strong turnout on Long Island.
“Especially on Long Island, I feel like there’s a more conservative component, but it’s always great to see a lot of our seniors attending,” Pan said. “We continue our activism and hope the message reaches everyone who lives here.”
For her part, Arlene Levine, a Great Neck resident and member of the Great Neck Democratic Club, said she was motivated by concern for families affected by immigration laws.
“What is happening in the world is really disappointing and sad to see,” he said. «We are an educated society and we should know how to take care of others. What is happening to children and their families is simply… That is why we are here, to support.
Organizers said the rally was part of a broader initiative urging members of Congress to oppose funding ICE and the Border Patrol without reforms they described as serious.
