Immigration Agents Reportedly in Ulster County, New York

City officials confirm that ICE agents were in Kingston, New York Tuesday morning.

The City of Kingston confirmed reports that the United States Immigration and Customs Control Service (ICE) was in the city at approximately 10 a.m. Tuesday morning. The confirmation was made on Facebook, along with the city posting various tip sheets reminding anyone who might come in contact with them to "Know Your Rights".

Was ICE in Kingston, New York?

The post didn't say what type of actions agents were conducting while they were in Ulster County but according to Ulster County Sheriff Juan Figueroa, his office did receive phone calls Tuesday morning from residents who were concerned about ICE “rounding up” individuals in the city.

SEE ALSO: Adult Immigrant Students Advised 'Know Your Rights With ICE' in New York

Sheriff Figueroa told the Daily Freeman that the roundups have not been confirmed and his office was unaware of why agents were in the area saying, "I don’t have any information regarding who was picked up or what. … They’re not required to tell me even if I do inquire."

Figueroa also said,

"The federal government is not required to advise communities of their operations, unfortunately, that’s just the way (it is), even when I was with the New York State Police, if I had a confidential case I would not let the local agencies know. … It’s standard protocol when you have confidential (cases), and these are somewhat considered confidential investigations."

 

Know Your Right When Dealing With ICE

Figueroa encouraged anyone who needs legal assistance to contact Legal Services of the Hudson Valley. The City of Kingston posted the resources (below) and best practices informing anyone who might have contact with ICE on ways to prepare for interactions at home and in public.