Glen Cove, New York – Amidst an ever-increasing presence of immigration enforcement officials (ICE) on Long Island, a meeting organized by New York State Assemblymember Charles Lavine (D-North Shore) was held to educate the community on actions that can be taken to help immigrants in the community. More than 150 people packed First Baptist Church in Glen Cove Thursday night (January 15) for the spirited gathering, which included presentations by Susan Gottehrer, Director of the Nassau County New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), Rev. Roger C. Williams, pastor of First Baptist Church, and members of Long Island’s Rapid Response Network. Lavine spoke passionately about the need for such a gathering, saying that the American people are not to be abused and that we need to protect our communities and stand together against injustice: “There is such a thing as political science. You and I know that. And we don’t need any further proof of the truth of that assertion than to simply look around and see what Trump and his sycophants are doing to our communities across the entire United States of America,” Lavine said. He added, “Political Science requires important governmental decisions to be made based on truth, honesty, empirical studies, and good faith - not on whim, not on personal grievance, hatred, racism, or financial self-dealing. Simply put, Trump’s war on America’s cities, America’s immigrants, and America’s people is un-American.” The meeting follows two recent well-attended vigils in Glen Cove, also led by Lavine who promised there would be more opportunities for the community to take action in the future.

Photos courtesy of the Office of Assemblymember Charles Lavine.