July 21, 2026 —
On May 28, a Venezuelan man residing in Lake Placid embarked on what he expected to be a routine day at work. As he made his way to his vehicle in a parking lot near the Grandview Resort, where he is employed as a maintenance worker, he spotted two unmarked vehicles—a sight that made him uneasy.
Though he sensed something was amiss, he tried to reassure himself that all would be fine. However, the reality of the situation became clear when he realized that the suspicious vehicles belonged to federal immigration authorities. Upon exiting his truck, he was approached by two agents who instructed him to raise his arms, disregarding his inquiries about why he was being stopped.
Despite his pleas to retrieve his wallet and work permit documents, he was handcuffed and arrested. This incident was part of a larger Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation that morning, which targeted multiple employees, primarily contractors engaged in roofing work at the resort. Days later, additional ICE agents detained several workers leaving the Heritage Indian Grill in Lake Placid.
Fear Grips the Community
These detentions are emblematic of a larger trend of increased ICE operations across the North since the Trump administration intensified its immigration policies in 2025. In recent months, ICE has apprehended workers at a sawmill in Tupper Lake and several more at a dairy farm in Jefferson County, provoking outrage from local residents.
The hospitality sector in Lake Placid has traditionally depended on immigrant labor, with many workers residing in the area legally while awaiting political asylum or working under temporary protected status. During the peak tourist season, the village accommodates numerous seasonal workers participating in the J-1 Summer Work and Travel Program.
Despite their significant contributions, many immigrants opt for a low profile, largely as a response to ongoing ICE activities. Kyra Grimmett, an organizer with North Country Immigrant Allies, highlighted the paradox: “Many immigrants migrate here seeking safety but increasingly find themselves living in an environment of fear.”
According to Grimmett, the experiences of the Venezuelan workers mirror accounts shared by other detainees across the region, many of whom report feeling surveilled and stalked before their arrests. “The reality is that people are being tracked,” she stated, noting instances where ICE closely monitored individuals for days before making a move.
Details of the Arrest
ICE has not clarified the specifics surrounding the May 28 operation despite multiple inquiries. One eyewitness reported seeing agents apprehend others, some of whom were treated roughly, with claims of detainees being thrown to the ground and pleading for help from inside the ICE van.
“They tied chains around our waists and legs as if we were criminals,” he recounted, adding that he observed ICE agents congratulating one another after what they termed a successful operation.
Once processed at the local jail, detainees were transported to the Batavia Detention Center, a journey that took roughly 12 hours with minimal sustenance provided. He was unable to contact his family for three days, leaving him anxious about their well-being. “My wife collapsed when she heard about my arrest. We anticipated something like this, but we never believed it would happen to us,” he shared.
Grimmett indicated that many of the detained individuals are asylum seekers without any criminal history, contradicting the Trump administration’s assertions that ICE focuses on “the worst of the worst.” One maintenance worker expressed confusion over his detention, citing his legal authorization to work and lack of any infractions.
Navigating Life After Detention
Rather than opting for voluntary departure, the man chose to pursue legal action. Following his release on bail, he now wears an ankle monitor, an experience he describes as uncomfortable and intrusive. “Working outdoors makes it challenging, especially as I take about 20,000 steps a day,” he lamented.
While he is relieved to be back with his family, the lingering effects of his detention are widespread, affecting not only him but also the larger immigrant community. Father John Jonkovig, a retired priest at St. Agnes Catholic Church, noted an increased caution among the immigrants he knows. “Many have gone underground, only venturing out for essential tasks,” he remarked.
Concerns are escalating within the community as reports of violent incidents involving immigration enforcement surface, such as a recent fatal shooting of an immigrant by federal authorities in Biddeford, Maine. “This raises alarming questions about safety in small communities like Lake Placid,” Jonkovig stated.
Speaking Out
Approximately a month post-release, the Venezuelan man continues to look over his shoulder, fearing possible retribution from ICE. He now avoids the parking lot where he was initially detained, as it triggers painful memories. “It profoundly alters my mindset. Every time I step outside, I feel afraid,” he said.
Yet, he remains committed to sharing his story to raise awareness within the community. He believes that many residents, even those who have lived in Lake Placid their entire lives, may not fully grasp the impact of immigration enforcement on their neighbors. “In a small community like this, it’s crucial to keep people informed,” he said. “There are many individuals here who support us and wish to help.”
David Escobar reports for the American Legion, focusing on diversity issues in the Adirondacks through a collaboration between North Country Public Radio and the Adirondack Explorer.
