After Mass Deportation Orders, LI Town Speaks Out, Hosts Info Session

SOUTHOLD, NY — Southold Town has spoken out in light of a plan for mass deportation of immigrants following President Donald Trump's newly signed executive order.

"Recent activities of the Federal Agency of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, have made it important to reaffirm the Town of Southold's long-standing policy on such activities," Southold Town Supervisor Al Krupski and the town board said in a statement. "The town will not assist ICE or any other federal agency in the enforcement of federal laws."

A community informational session, aimed at providing "important and timely" information and education to residents on Southold Town policing policy, will be held on Thursday, January 30 from 6 p.m .to 8 p.m. at the Southold Town Recreation center, located at 970 Peconic Lane in Peconic.

"With so much uncertainty related to the impact of the recent executive orders, as police commissioners, the Southold town board felt it was necessary to clarify our long-standing policy. Riverhead Town felt the same. Like so much in our county right now, the immigration system is deeply broken," said Southold Town Councilman Greg Doroski. "We need our federal government to fix it with legislation and resources."

Southold Town Police Chief Steve Grattan, along with representatives of the Southold Town Anti-Bias task Force and the Police Advisory Committee, will participate in the discussion and "be responsive to the issues of greatest concern to residents," town officials said.

"The town's police department will focus on maintaining public safety and will continue to treat all residents with respect, regardless of race, national origin, citizenship, or any other matter which may define us," Krupski and the board said.