ICE Conducts Targeted Greenport Raids in July and August 2025

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) carried out two targeted enforcement operations in Greenport, New York, in late July and early August 2025, detaining several individuals and sparking concern among local residents and advocacy groups. The actions, which took place on July 26 and August 3, have raised questions about ICE’s approach, the impact on families, and the response from the community.

On Saturday, July 26, 2025, around 9:30 a.m., ICE agents stopped a car in Greenport and detained two people. According to Southold Police Chief Steven Grattan, one of those detained had a final removal order, meaning a federal immigration judge had already decided that person must leave the United States 🇺🇸 within 90 days. ICE did not notify local police before this operation, and officers in the area could not locate the agents after the stop, even though residents reported seeing ICE vehicles.

A week later, on Sunday morning, August 3, ICE agents were again seen in Greenport, this time in the Adams Street parking lot behind a laundromat. For this operation, ICE contacted Southold police headquarters to inform them they would be in the area, but did not share further details. Reports from social media and local news, including Tu Prensa Local, said that arrests were made, including a man with young children—one of whom reportedly has cancer. This man was ordered to appear in court. However, police have not independently confirmed these details, and ICE has not responded to requests for comment.

These enforcement actions are part of a larger pattern of federal immigration enforcement across the United States 🇺🇸. According to data from the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC), immigration judges issued 45,902 removal orders in June 2025 alone. In July, 36,737 people were booked into ICE detention centers nationwide. These numbers show that ICE is actively enforcing immigration laws and detaining large numbers of people each month.

Local law enforcement officials stress that ICE, as a federal agency, does not have to notify local police before conducting operations. Southold Police Captain Scott Latham explained that ICE can operate anywhere within their jurisdiction without telling local authorities in advance. This is different from state and county police, who usually coordinate with each other before taking action. This lack of communication can leave local police and community members unsure about what is happening during ICE operations.

The recent ICE actions in Greenport have caused fear and worry among immigrant families. Many are concerned about being separated from loved ones, especially when children are involved. The case of the man reportedly detained on August 3, whose child is said to have cancer, has drawn particular attention and sympathy from the community. Advocacy groups and residents have called for resistance to ICE’s actions and for more support for affected families.

Organizations like the Office of Legal Advocacy (OLA) of Eastern Long Island are stepping in to help. OLA provides legal services and support to people facing deportation or detention. They work with trusted immigration attorneys and other nonprofits to offer advice, representation, and resources. For those in need, OLA’s website (https://olaofeasternlongisland.org/legal-services) lists ways to get legal help in Eastern Long Island. Legal experts recommend that anyone detained by ICE or facing deportation should contact an immigration attorney as soon as possible.

The policy debate in New York State is also heating up in response to these events. In April 2025, labor unions representing hundreds of thousands of workers urged Governor Kathy Hochul and the state legislature to pass the New York for All Act. This proposed law would limit how much local law enforcement can work with ICE, aiming to protect immigrant communities from sudden deportation raids. Supporters of the bill say it would help reduce fear and disruption in neighborhoods with many immigrants and prevent local police from acting as an extension of federal immigration enforcement.

Linda Flor Brito, Senior Policy & Campaigns Organizer at the Immigrant Defense Project, spoke about the urgency of passing the New York for All Act. She said, “Ongoing ICE raids and deportations in New York show why we need this law now. It’s about keeping families together and making sure local police don’t help ICE separate our communities.” As reported by VisaVerge.com, many advocates believe that state-level protections are more important than ever as federal enforcement increases.

For people living in Greenport and similar communities, the practical effects of ICE enforcement are serious. Detention can lead to deportation proceedings, which may result in people being forced to leave the United States 🇺🇸 and their families behind. Children, especially those with health problems, can suffer greatly when a parent is detained or deported. The fear of ICE operations can also make people less likely to go to work, school, or seek medical care, which hurts the whole community.

Here are some steps that individuals and families can take if they are worried about ICE enforcement:

• Know your rights: Everyone in the United States 🇺🇸, regardless of immigration status, has certain rights. You do not have to open your door to ICE agents unless they have a signed warrant from a judge. You have the right to remain silent and to ask for a lawyer.
• Create a safety plan: Families should talk about what to do if someone is detained. This can include having important documents ready, knowing who to call for help, and making arrangements for children.
• Seek legal help: Contact organizations like OLA or a trusted immigration attorney if you or someone you know is detained or at risk of deportation.
• Stay informed: Follow local news and community organizations for updates about ICE activity and changes in immigration laws.

For more information about ICE enforcement policies and your rights, you can visit the official ICE website at https://www.ice.gov/.

The situation in Greenport shows how federal immigration enforcement can affect small communities and families in very real ways. While ICE continues its operations, local advocacy groups and lawmakers are working to provide support and push for changes that protect immigrant residents. The debate over how much local police should cooperate with ICE is likely to continue, especially as more people are detained and more families are affected.

As of August 2025, the community in Greenport remains on alert, with many watching closely for further ICE activity. Advocacy groups are urging residents to stay connected, know their rights, and seek help if needed. The outcome of the New York for All Act and other policy efforts will play a big role in shaping how future ICE operations impact immigrant communities across the state.