250 Rally in Hempstead to Demand End to ICE Raids Devastating Families and Communities

Close to 250 people marched through Hempstead Village last Friday, united in their demand to end the federal government’s mass deportation campaign led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The protest, organized as part of the nationwide ICE Out movement, brought together immigrant activists, church groups, and civic organizations to spotlight the damage wrought by ICE raids on families, businesses, and community trust.

Amanda Garcia, 65, shared a heart-wrenching story of her son, an El Salvador native who had lived in the U.S. for 27 years and held Temporary Protected Status before being deported. He left behind his wife and three children. Garcia’s sign, “ICE Out of Long Island,” underscored the rally’s core message: the agency’s actions are inflicting profound suffering on families.

Barbara Kirk, 76, condemned ICE’s unconstitutional behavior, including the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens during protests in Minneapolis earlier this year. “I think it’s horrible what they’re doing,” Kirk said, emphasizing the agency’s disregard for legal and human rights.

Hempstead Village, with a population nearly half Latino, has been a focal point for ICE raids on Long Island. Despite President Trump’s claims that deportations target dangerous criminals, studies consistently show most ICE detainees have no criminal record. This disconnect fuels outrage among immigrant advocates who have organized networks to monitor ICE activities and pressured local officials to restrict ICE’s presence on municipal property.

Nevertheless, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman continues to back ICE, even forging a partnership with the agency involving local detectives. Barrett Psareas, vice president of the Nassau County Civic Association, defended the deportation campaign as “working” but criticized protesters for obstructing ICE agents.

The rally’s tone was defiant and urgent, with chants like “Hey hey, ho ho, Donald Trump has got to go” echoing through the streets. Some bystanders showed solidarity with raised fists, while others recorded the event on their phones.

Faith leaders also played a visible role. Roellyn Armstrong of Saint Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church spoke of a moral imperative to stand with neighbors regardless of immigration status. Fellow parishioner Jill Hissong framed their activism as living out the gospel mission to defend the oppressed and vulnerable.

The protest also memorialized those who have died under ICE custody. Daniel McElroy carried a replica tombstone bearing the name of an immigrant who died in Nassau County Jail last September, highlighting concerns about local law enforcement’s cooperation with ICE and the chilling effect it has on community trust.

Frances Whittelsey of the League of Women Voters condemned ICE arrests as “disgusting” and emphasized immigrants’ vital role in industries from agriculture to home care.

Friday’s rally in Hempstead was a clear message: ICE’s deportation machine is tearing apart communities, and resistance is growing louder. As the Trump administration doubles down on immigration enforcement, grassroots activists and allies are mobilizing to hold the agency accountable and demand an end to policies that sacrifice families and civil rights on the altar of authoritarian control.