Greenport Trustee Takes Public Stand to Protect Immigrants

GREENPORT, NY — Greenport Village Trustee Doug Roberts has taken a public stand to help those whose rights he believes are threatened: After news broke Saturday that more than a dozen immigrants and refugees had been detained at JFK International Airport, under Donald Trump's new executive order to block immigration from certain Muslim countries, Roberts took to his professional Facebook page, "We Are Greenport" Saturday to express his support for immigrants and refugees.

Roberts also attended a Spanish-speaking mass at St. Agnes Church in Greenport Saturday night to show support for immigrants; others in attendance included Greenport Village Trustee Jack Martilotta and his family.

Roberts said he stood before the crowd with a message for those who might be feeling afraid under the charged political climate. He told them, "We've got your back."

He was not alone: Hundreds turned out to JFK Saturday to protest and demand justice for the immigrants and refugees.

Here, in its entirety, is Roberts' statement on the issue:

'The neighborhood south of the railroad tracks in our village is called West Dublin because it was once inhabited by Irish people who came to work on the railroad or at the brick factories. Later, waves of brick makers would hail from Scotland, Italy, and Poland. Greek people, Eastern European people, Freemen from the south, the Claudio Family from Portugal, and recently people from Central America, South America, and Mexico have all come here to Greenport to pursue a piece of the American dream along our bustling working waterfront.

We are truly a village of immigrants. A significant portion of our local businesses are owned by immigrants or domestic migrants. Without Latino people coming here in the 1990s, does the boom happen? Does our commercial district become the same eclectic, bustling center of activity it has been for so long now?

This is a space for discussing Village issues, and national immigration law and policies usually wouldn't be on-topic. However, this week's Executive Orders from the White House have changed the landscape. I want to be clear and unequivocal: I will stand up for home rule by this Village government, I will stand up for law-abiding, tax-paying Greenporters of all national origins, and I will resist any effort by the Federal Government or anyone else to harass or menace my neighbors based on their race, sexual orientation, or creed. I am proud of our Governor Andrew Cuomo for his pledge to protect New Yorkers and will call on his office for support if necessary. I have already spoken with the local reps for Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand who pledged support.

The words of Reverend Niemöller will be my guide in the months to come if any of this should end up on our doorstep."

Niemöller was a pastor who opposed Adolf Hitler and wrote the famous poem: "First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out. Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out, Because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out, Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me."

Roberts vowed: "To my immigrant neighbors and constituents: I will be vigilant and I've got your back. And I am not the only one by a long shot. Stay in touch. Greenporters will do as we always do: We will come together as a community and work together as neighbors and friends. I have great faith in the people that make up this great Village and I am honored to serve as your Trustee."