Brentwood, Long Island — A wave of controversy is sweeping through Brentwood after ICE agents were seen using the local firehouse parking lot as a makeshift base for enforcement operations, igniting tensions in a heavily Latino immigrant community.
More than 70% of Brentwood’s population is Latino, and many residents and local leaders see ICE’s presence as a direct threat to their community.
State Assemblyman Phil Ramos sharply criticized the move on Facebook, writing, “In a town built and protected by a Latino majority, ICE was shockingly allowed to use a Brentwood firehouse to launch enforcement operations against that very community.”
Ramos and immigrant advocacy group Islip Forward claim local fire department leadership permitted the federal agency’s use of the property. But the Brentwood Fire District denied any prior knowledge, stating, “At no time did the Brentwood Fire District or Brentwood Fire Department have any knowledge or allow any law enforcement agency to use the firehouse parking lot.”
Despite the denial, Ramos and activists aren’t convinced. At a rally outside the firehouse, Ramos alleged the incident “happened with the knowledge and approval of local fire department leadership,” accusing elected officials of staying silent instead of defending their constituents.
Firefighters, who spoke anonymously due to a gag order, said ICE did not interfere with operations and noted that firehouse parking lots are public property accessible to all. “Anyone is allowed to utilize the parking lots for any reason that doesn’t interfere with emergency operations,” one firefighter said.
The ICE activity comes weeks after Suffolk County officials reaffirmed their anti-sanctuary stance. While they pledged cooperation with ICE, officials also promised that immigration raids would not occur at sensitive locations like schools, churches, or hospitals, and that victims and witnesses of crimes would not be questioned about their immigration status.
Still, fear is growing among residents. Many say ICE isn’t targeting criminals but arresting people at work, during traffic stops, or even at routine immigration check-ins. One Brentwood resident pointed to the June detention of Elzon Lemus, a U.S. citizen briefly held during a traffic stop, and the more recent arrest of Martinez Ventura — a 30-year-old mother of five and asylum seeker with no criminal record — as examples of ICE overreach.
“If she got detained at a check-in, what does that tell my family members who came here the right way?” the resident asked.
Not everyone in the area agrees with the criticism. “ICE is allowed to do their job,” said Long Island resident Kay Emmer. “People ‘scared’ can opt to self-deport.”
Suffolk County officials declined to comment on the latest controversy, but the community remains deeply divided over ICE’s growing presence.
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