• 2026-01-14 21:53:06
• Gun Violence

BABYLON, NY — Protesters and counter-protesters stood on opposite sides of Sunrise Highway outside Babylon Town Hall Saturday, Jan. 10, offering sharply different reactions and illustrating the national divide in sentiment around the

The demonstration, organized by the local activists, took place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and drew dozens of participants who came on a drizzly morning. Passing by vehicles took photos and videos of the scene. Explicit language was shouted, highlighting the contentious current political climate. Organizers stood holding signs calling for accountability, immigration reform, and an end to federal enforcement practices they described as dangerous.

Annette Casazza, a Babylon resident and member of the Babylon Democratic Committee who said she has helped organize similar demonstrations in the past, said the protest evolved rapidly in response to the Minneapolis shooting. The event was initially planned around opposition to U.S. actions in Venezuela, but those plans shifted after video of the shooting circulated publicly.

"What happened kind of took precedent," Casazza said, explaining that people felt compelled to come out after watching footage of the incident. She described the shooting as a breakdown of due process and accountability, saying that regardless of immigration status, constitutional protections should apply.

Casazza said the presence of masked federal agents carrying weapons raised serious concerns for her and other protesters, adding that she feared the lack of transparency surrounding federal operations could allow potential abuses to go unchecked.

While protesters criticized ICE, Casazza emphasized that their concerns were not directed at local law enforcement.

Casaszza said Suffolk County Police Department, which maintained a presence at the demonstration, had handled crowd control professionally.

"We're so grateful for our Suffolk County Police being here," she said, adding that officers had been "nothing but polite and kind and helpful" during protests she has attended.

Casazza said she was deeply shaken by the video of the shooting, particularly by what she described as a failure to de-escalate the encounter.

She referenced what she said were the victim's final words and questioned whether federal agents receive sufficient training compared to local police departments. She also expressed concern about what she described as a broader erosion of democratic norms, saying she believes political engagement ahead of the November election is critical.

Matthew Valverde, a field organizer for the Babylon Democratic Committee and Westbury resident, said the protest was organized in a matter of days through online platforms and local volunteer networks. He said organizers coordinated with town officials and police to ensure traffic safety and separation between demonstrators and vehicles.

Valverde described his reaction to the video of the shooting as "absolutely heartbreaking," saying he did not believe the incident appeared justified. He said that Good was an American citizen and said he felt misinformation surrounding immigration enforcement has fueled polarization.

"The fact that we had to change this protest midweek shows you that every day you never know what this administration is going to give you," Valverde said.

Valverde said protests are only one component of broader civic engagement, which he believes must include voter participation, primary elections, and community support efforts such as food drives. Valverde previously helped organize protests that doubled as donation drives for local food banks, adding that political activism and mutual aid should go hand in hand.

Federal officials have said the shooting of Good was an act of self-defense, saying that she attempted to strike officers with her vehicle. Minneapolis city leaders and witnesses have disputed that account. The incident is under investigation by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the FBI.
Good was the mother of a young child, according to reports, and her death has prompted protests and vigils nationwide.

On the opposite side of Sunrise Highway, counter-protesters stood and said they came out because they felt law enforcement officers were being unfairly vilified.

Across the street from Town Hall, a smaller group of counter-protesters stood by the recently closed Southbay Diner, waving flags and voicing support for law enforcement, arguing that ICE officers and police deserve due process and should not be condemned before investigations are complete. Many of the passing vehicles on Sunrise Highway honked their horns in solidarity with the smaller group.

Joe Cardinale, an Amityville resident and former police officer who said he traveled to Babylon to attend the counter-protest, said he believes incidents involving police and federal agents should be evaluated through investigations rather than public outrage. Friend Rob McHale of West Babylon stood alongside Cardinale, echoing the sentiments, saying he believes public discourse surrounding police shootings has become increasingly hostile and divisive. Both men said they had been shouted at by protesters but claimed they also received support from passing motorists honking their horns.

"There are two sides to every story," Cardinale said. "ICE are cops too. They're law enforcement. People see this as an outright execution without letting the facts come out. Let the video come out, let the investigation finish, and then hold people accountable if they're wrong."

He said he supports holding officers accountable when wrongdoing is proven, but argued that conclusions should not be drawn before all facts are known.

"You have to let it play out," he said. "Cops are never allowed that. Any case involving a cop shooting, the cops are always wrong in the court of public opinion, but criminals get their day in court. Law enforcement deserves that same due process under the law."

Cardinale said he and others on his side of the street came out independently, not as part of an organized group, because they were frustrated by what they see as a blanket condemnation of law enforcement.

He added that he believes police are a foundational element of public safety and warned that eroding trust in law enforcement could have long-term consequences.

The demonstration remained orderly, but showcased the divide on Long Island and nationally.

"I'll always defend cops, but when they're wrong, I'll hold them accountable," Cardinale said. "Just let the process work."