Police Confirm ICE Operation In Westchester Village Led To 1 Arrest

VILLAGE OF MAMARONECK, NY — An ICE investigation in the Village of Mamaroneck on Friday morning led to concern from neighbors and officials.

The Columbus Park area was famously pressed into service as a place for critical food aid and social services during the early days of the pandemic, in what is still pointed to as a success story during a dark time. The area also became a key staging area for rescues and relief when floods from Hurricane Ida that devastated the community receded.

But today, the neighborhood became a place of fear for many.

"This morning many village residents were confused, concerned and even fearful when they saw or heard about the ICE officers who showed up around 8 a.m.," Mayor Sharon Torres wrote in a social media post on Friday. "Please know that our Police Department is not ICE. They will follow the law, but they are not in charge of immigration issues. They are here to serve and protect the Village and its residents."

The Village of Mamaroneck Police Department said they received a call at 8:17 a.m. that ICE agents were in the Village of Mamaroneck conducting an investigation and making several arrests near Columbus Park.

Detectives went to the scene and canvassed the area and confirmed that ICE agents had been in the Village of Mamaroneck earlier in the morning and conducted an investigation about a specific person, who has criminal convictions and that is undocumented.

While that person was not located by ICE agents, a different person was arrested on Van Ranst Place. The person arrested by ICE also reportedly has a criminal conviction and is also undocumented.

The mayor said that while only one person was arrested by ICE today, others in the community were stopped and checked.

The Village of Mamaroneck Police Department said they were not involved in the operation and did not assist ICE in either investigation. The department referred any questions about the arrests to ICE officials.

"Please call the Village of Mamaroneck Police Department at 914-777-1122, if you are encountered by ICE and need assistance," VMPD said in a statement. "The Village of Mamaroneck Police Department cannot stop ICE agents from doing their Job, but can verify their credentials."