Peaceful protest in Putnam
CARMEL – Carrying signs opposing family separations and detentions of undocumented individuals perpetrated by the Trump administration, 75 local residents peacefully demonstrated in front of the Putnam Courthouse in Carmel late Monday afternoon.
Some 3,000 young children, many under the age of five, were separated from their parents as part of the President’s zero tolerance policy of criminally prosecuting asylum-seeking parents. ICE noted that children are being detained in 23 facilities across the U.S. with the nearest located in northern Westchester.
A few passing cars honked their horns as the group gathered on a hot afternoon. Several Sheriff’s Office personnel and Carmel Police officers were stationed nearby.
Vigil coordinator Baila Lemonik of Mahopac reminded the attendees not to block the sidewalk for passersby.
When asked why the demonstration was called for in Putnam County, Lemonik replied, “Ripping apart families and psychologically scarring children for life is simply un-American whether you live in Carmel, Indiana, Carmel Valley, California or Carmel, New York. The President has violated international law.”
A similar protest rally was held Monday evening in front of the Dutchess County Office Building in downtown City of Poughkeepsie.
