LI Activists Throw Out 'Ice' In Anti-ICE Rally At Port Washington Dock: 'We're Going To Keep Doing This'

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — This past weekend, Long Islanders took to the Port Washington town dock for an anti-ICE rally and demonstration in the wake of Renee Nicole Good's death.

People across LI have made their voices heard at protests and rallies in response to the news that the 37-year-old mother was fatally shot by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent while behind the wheel of her car on Jan. 7.

Stacey Mellus, a resident of Port Washington and activist who organizes weekly vigils at the Port Washington LIRR station. Mellus has been to dozens of vigils and rallies, supporting her community members and standing up for what she believes in.

Mellus helped organize the rally on Saturday that brought in about 175 local activists. They held a demonstration where activists threw ice into the water beneath the dock. It was a bit of an homage to the Boston Tea Party, as Mellus explained.

"We saw that ICE lost its value as law enforcement, and we don't want them in our towns," she said. "It was symbolic."

She said the rally was about love and unity in the community. There were speakers and singer-songwriters in attendance as well.

Speakers read the names of those who died in ICE detention last year and the statement Renee Good's wife made. Claudia Orellena, the wife of Thomas Orellena, who has been detained by ICE, gave a powerful speech.

"I was tearing up," Mellus said. "She has 8 sons. Her youngest child is 6 years old and keeps asking 'Where's Daddy?"

Reflecting on instances in her own community, Mellus said a Port Washington man was arrested by ICE this past summer, and his story went viral.

"He was very into the community," she said. "He used to dress up as Santa and the Easter bunny. Everybody knew him and loved him. He hasn't been the only one."

Visibility and protests are important, Mellus explained:

"It's so important to show unity and solidarity from the community. It helps people know that the community is there and cares."

She said that although they are trying to stay united, people are scared.

"People are scared to go grocery shopping," she said. "People with children are scared their kids will wake up, and they won't be there."

If a bystander encounters ICE, Mellus said to be noisy– use whistles, use voices.

"Get people outside," she said. "Be noisy so other people come out and take a video. It can be used as evidence, can help identify a person, or help them get legal assistance."

For someone who may be detained by ICE, Mellus shared:

"You have rights. You don't have to open your door unless they have a judicial warrant. Stay calm. Don't run. You don't have to say anything."

She won't stop protesting anytime soon, she said.

"We're going to keep doing this," Mellus said. "It's all about love, support, and everybody knowing we have their backs."