SARATOGA SPRINGS — After at least eight men were allegedly detained by masked, plainclothes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and driven away in unmarked vehicles on Tuesday morning, citizens spoke out at that evening’s City Council meeting.
The speakers, a mix of residents and those who are politically active, demanded the city do more to protect those who live and work in the city. “We stand firmly against unconstitutional deportations that violate due process, sow fear, and undermine the rule of law in our community,” Otis Maxwell, the chair of the city Democratic Committee, told the City Council. “The U.S. Constitution protects all ‘persons’ not just citizens, under the Fifth Amendment’s guarantee of due process.”
Stephen Mittler, owner of Mittler’s Market and Bodega Bar on Phila Street, said he knew at least three of the men detained, saying they were his regular customers. He also said there was also a woman with children who was detained. He also said they were restaurant workers…