Community members and advocacy groups gathered in Yonkers on Friday to protest the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the region.

The rally was held outside the Enrico Fermi School, where demonstrators called on elected officials to take stronger action in support of immigrant communities. Protesters said recent ICE activity has created fear among residents and separated families, affecting the broader community.

“We just want people to live in peace,” said Diana Sanchez, executive director of Yonkers Sanctuary Movement. Sanchez said many immigrants are working, paying taxes and contributing to their communities, and urged leaders to do more to protect them.

In response to concerns raised at the rally, the Department of Homeland Security said that people who are in the country legally and following the law have “nothing to fear.”