More ICE raid activity in Westchester

Following the apparently failed raid by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Sleepy Hollow on Jan. 28, there have been additional ICE raids staged in Westchester County, the Business Journal has learned. In the Sleepy Hollow raid, ICE agents went to a residence but did not locate the two individuals they apparently wanted to arrest.

ICE has not provided the Business Journal with any details regarding its activities in the county, despite numerous requests and an indication from an ICE official in Washington that they would be in touch.

However, the Mayor of the Village of Ossining, Rika Levin, reported that on Feb. 3 as a matter of courtesy the Ossining Police Department was informed by ICE that they are looking for an individual. She said that the Ossining Police Department was not involved with this matter or this search and, in fact, did not have any material updates on ICE activities since they are a federal agency independent of the local police.

“We want to assure the community that our goal remains safety, security, and peace of mind for all,” Levin said.

It was not known whether ICE found the person the person for whom they were looking.

Mayor Vivian C. McKenzie of Peekskill reported that early on the morning of Jan. 31 Peekskill Police Department Chief Leo Dylewski was informed federal agencies including ICE were in Peekskill looking for an individual with a criminal record. She said that the Peekskill police had no role in this operation.

“Residents should be aware that the Peekskill Police Department’s own regulations, consistent with New York State and Westchester County law, prohibit members of the police department 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,” McKenzie said.

She said that the Peekskill Police Department’s regulations comply with all federal, state and local laws and have the interest of all residents at the center of its policies.

“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,” McKenzie said. “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. As your mayor, I sincerely hope ICE remains focused on enforcement actions related to violent and serious criminals harming our city, not neighbors who are contributing and law-abiding members of our community.”