On a Long Island street corner, vandals defaced an American flag with the words “F—K ICE” and altered campaign signs belonging to Republicans, officials reported on Tuesday.
Nassau County police discovered two American flags and a number of damaged campaign signs, including one belonging to County Executive Bruce Blakeman, in Valley Stream around 2:20 p.m. on Monday, according to police reports.
One of the flags bore the profane message aimed at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which is collaborating with Nassau officials to enforce stricter measures against illegal immigration under a contentious initiative by Blakeman.
ICE has faced backlash due to President Trump’s stringent policies on illegal immigration, resulting in heightened intimidation and attacks against its agents.
A sign for Blakeman, who is campaigning for re-election, was marked with the words “Free Gaza.”
Other vandalized signs included those for Sheharyar Ali, a Republican candidate for a Nassau legislative position, and the incumbent Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti, as shown in images released by law enforcement.
Blakeman attributed the anti-ICE sentiments to Democrats, including his contender in the election.
“The hostile narrative against ICE has been fueled by Democrats, including my rival Seth Koslow, who portray federal agents in a negative light, despite their efforts to ensure safety in our communities, especially among Hispanic American populations,” Blakeman stated to The Post.
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Koslow, currently serving as a county legislator, has opposed the extensive presence of ICE on Long Island and advocates for the agency to focus solely on violent offenders residing in the country illegally.
He criticized Blakeman for attempting to link him to the vandalism incidents.
“Rather than casting blame on Democrats for vandalism, he should prioritize addressing Nassau’s failing 911 system, the understaffed police departments, and the growing perception of insecurity among residents during his administration,” a spokesperson for Koslow remarked to The Post.
“Everyone denounces vandalism, but using it for political gain while avoiding the pressing issues facing Nassau’s families is beneath his position.”
Nassau police have urged anyone with information regarding the vandal or vandals to contact the 5th Squad at 516-573-6553.
