A coalition of local activist groups is planning a protest and march in Geneva this weekend following allegations that Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained multiple people in the city earlier this month.
Organizers say the demonstration, titled “ICE Out of Geneva,” will take place Sunday at 6 p.m. beginning at City Hall on Castle Street before marching through parts of the city tied to the alleged incidents. The event is being organized by Geneva Women’s Assembly, the Finger Lakes Rapid Response Network, and the Party for Socialism and Liberation-Upstate NY.
According to organizers, at least five people were detained by ICE agents on May 14 in Geneva while reportedly heading to work. The release said four men were stopped while traveling in a vehicle and another man was detained near his home. Organizers also allege a U.S. citizen was temporarily detained at Byrne Dairy before being released after proving citizenship.
The allegations have not been independently confirmed by federal authorities, and ICE has not publicly released information about arrests or enforcement activity connected to the claims.
Unlike police agencies across the Finger Lakes, which routinely issue public press releases detailing arrests, investigations, and incidents, ICE generally does not publicize day-to-day enforcement operations at the local level.
In the release, organizers repeatedly described the alleged detentions as “kidnappings” and accused ICE of racial profiling and intimidation tactics.
The planned march route will reportedly include stops near Byrne Dairy and the Pulteney Street area, where organizers say some of the detentions occurred. Participants also plan to place butterfly signs at locations connected to the alleged ICE activity.
Organizers say the protest is intended to show solidarity with immigrant workers and families in the Geneva area amid ongoing national debates over immigration enforcement and deportation policies.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to news@fingerlakes1.com.
