ICE detains one man in East Durham, group reports

EAST DURHAM―U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents reportedly detained one man during an enforcement action on Saturday at an East Durham restaurant.

Agents descended on Angel’s East Café on State Route 145 around 9 a.m. and remained in the area until about 1 p.m., according to the Columbia County Sanctuary Movement.

Witnesses reported seeing approximately six vehicles and at least six federal agents.

But according to the Columbia County Sanctuary Movement―whose rapid response team arrived and “intervened” after learning of the enforcement action―the owners of the restaurant refused to let the agents inside without a judicial warrant.

“A community member was coerced to go with them rather than endanger the lives of patrons, co-workers and his family,” the organization reported on Saturday afternoon.

“We are committed to supporting this family through the difficult times ahead,” they added.

The Columbia County Sanctuary Movement did not respond to a request for additional information as of Saturday night, nor did the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Founded in 2016, the Hudson-based non-profit “organizes with immigrants and allies to collectively support, empower, and defend our communities.” They hold regular “Know Your Rights” workshops, have an emergency hotline for any area ICE activity and a rapid response network to respond to ongoing ICE raids.

On Monday, the group confirmed that another man was detained by ICE following a traffic stop in the town of Catskill. The man was reportedly a passenger in the vehicle.

“According to witnesses, several masked agents wearing vests were present with three black SUVs on Route 32 near the former Friar Tuck [Inn]. Witnesses also reported the presence of a box truck, which was allegedly used to transport the detained individual,” the Columbia County Sanctuary Movement stated.

In April, ICE agents reportedly took five men into custody following separate enforcement actions on the same day in Tannersville and Windham.