“Our local economy depends very much on the labor of recent immigrants — as America always has.”
— Leo Blackman,
Amenia town supervisor
AMENIA — On Tuesday, Jan. 28, rumblings of the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in Northern Dutchess began making the rounds.
While their exact numbers are unknown, an immigrant population lives in Amenia and its surrounding communities, due in part to its rural character and, for some immigrants, the availability of work on local farms.
As the week progressed, the rumors remained unconfirmed. By Thursday, Jan. 30, Amenia town supervisor Leo Blackman had received three separate reports of concerning incidents involving immigrants — including one report of the verbal harassment of a group of immigrants who were taunted by calls of “ICE, ICE, ICE” from unknown persons — but the incidents remained unverified as no police reports had been filed to Blackman’s knowledge as of Jan. 30.
On Friday, Jan. 31, a notice appeared on the Town of Amenia’s website seemingly confirming the rumors of raids, along with a pamphlet of directives for individuals and families who may be potential targets of ICE As part of the notice, a statement from Blackman was included which read, “I am aware that there have been at least two raids here in the last few days by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, I.C.E. Residents of Amenia should not be made to feel unsafe or threatened in our community. Rules that made churches and schools off-limits to I.C.E. have just been rescinded by the Federal government. For the sake of anyone who may be targeted, your rights are attached.”
The accompanying pamphlet, printed in English, Spanish and French, advises immigrants of their legal protections and directs them to contact the Office for New Americans hotline, the Immigrant Defense Project or the New York Immigration Coalition for further guidance. The pamphlet also cautions immigrants to beware of scams and to set up a safety plan for themselves and their families.
A link to the notice has since been removed.
While Blackman has yet to provide specifics regarding the raids in Amenia, he is an advocate of immigrant rights and believes in their value to the local community. “Our local economy depends very much on the labor of recent immigrants — as America always has,” he said, explaining his concerns over the motives of the Trump administration and immigration agents with respect to their targets. “Allegedly, these ICE visits are targeted at immigrants with a criminal record,” he said. “But I expect their mandate will expand. I want anyone who came to Amenia from Central America — or anywhere else — and has become part of the community to feel safe here.”
Maintaining a sense of safety and normalcy is what Webutuck Central School District superintendent Raymond Castellani has been doing while keeping an eye on any local developments involving immigrant students and their families. As with Leo Blackman, Castellani has heard ICE-related rumors in the area. Webutuck, which covers Amenia and North East, is made up of nearly 30% English language learners. Castellani noted that while he has not noticed any significant drops in attendance by immigrant students, he has been actively monitoring the situation and will continue working with his staff to ensure students continue to receive the education and in-school services they require. Castellani said the next few weeks will be critical as rumors continue to swirl, but he remains committed to keeping students on-task while advocating for their security. “Our goal is to keep students safe,” Castellani said. Castellani added that should any incidents involving immigration agents occur on school grounds, he has directed his staff to contact him immediately.
Town supervisor Gary Ciferri of the Town of Washington, however, has yet to notice any immigration enforcement activity in his township. Ciferri’s district, which includes Millbrook, is also a rural community which many immigrants call home. According to Ciferri, though, it’s business as usual in his township. “I haven’t heard of ICE agents in the area,” Ciferri said. “We’re not doing anything differently in Millbrook and the Town of Washington.”
On the county level, Dutchess Sheriff’s Officers reported on Jan. 31 that they, too, were unaware of any ICE presence in the area. “To my knowledge, we have not been contacted by federal authorities,” Captain John Watterson said. Watterson added that any requests for cooperation with Federal agencies by the county would be contingent on the nature of the request and whether a warrant had been issued for a target. “It is possible,” said Watterson, who reiterated he remained unaware of any ICE activity in Northern Dutchess.
Alleged immigration enforcement rumors have also reached Dutchess County Legislator Chris Drago, D-19, whose district covers the Towns of North East, Stanford and Pine Plains as well as the Village of Millerton. Drago has been urging concerned residents to remain calm and logical. Contacted by the News on Sunday, Feb. 1, Drago responded by saying, “I’ve been hearing from a lot of community members concerned about potential ICE activity in Dutchess County, and there are a lot of scary rumors circulating locally about raids. Right now it’s important to distinguish between rumors and verified reports through asking questions and checking sources. It’s also important to know your rights. Here in Dutchess County, we look out for our neighbors and community members because we know we are strongest and safest when we stand together. And our small businesses, farms, families and neighborhoods are better off because of it.”
While immigrants remain on alert in Amenia and Northern Dutchess, Leo Blackman has remained strong in his support for their plight by summing up the town’s history. “Amenia has been a welcoming place for many kinds of people for most of its history,” Blackman said. “I want families here to know we intend to continue that tradition.”
Justine and Victor Valla in their studio with a painting of Victor’s,”Jonah and the Whale.” Robin Roraback 
