Brooklyn CB 7 addresses ICE raids, honors retiring member

Concerns over neighborhood safety amid recent ICE activity dominated discussion at Brooklyn Community Board 7’s January 21 meeting, where residents and elected officials urged Sunset Park neighbors to remain alert and look out for one another.

The hybrid meeting, held Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the board’s district office at 4201 Fourth Avenue, brought together board members, local officials and residents both in person and online. The gathering provided a structured space for neighbors to voice concerns, hear updates from local officials, and engage directly with the board on pressing issues affecting the community.

Before public comment and committee reports began, the board paused to recognize longtime community member Jeremy Laufer, who is retiring after 25 years of service with Community Board 7. Laufer was presented with a City Council proclamation honoring his decades-long commitment to the district, highlighting his role in supporting neighborhood advocacy and civic engagement. The recognition was presented by District 39 Councilmember Shahana Hanif.

CB7 Chair Julio Peña III added his own remarks, reflecting on Laufer’s long-standing role and steady presence on the board.

“I’ve been on this board since 2016. The one constant through every decision, vote, and conversation has been Jeremy,” Peña said. “The board wishes him every success in his retirement.”

The community discussion also extended with elected officials, including District 38 Councilmember Alexa Avilés, who spoke about concerns surrounding the inhumane practices of ICE raids which happened around 45th and 60th Street in Sunset Park last month.

“ICE takes one or two people in our community every day,” Avilés stated. “Families are being torn apart, a heartbreaking proposition.”

Additional remarks on immigration-related concerns were shared by Susan Zhuang, representing District 43, who echoed the need for residents to stay informed and connected amid ongoing enforcement activity.

“Seven of our community members were detained by ICE last week,” Councilmember Zhuang stated. She also urged anyone who wants to help with legal representation to reach out to her office.

During public comment, John, a Sunset Park resident on 23rd Street, raised concerns about how ICE raids have impacted the community’s sense of safety. He emphasized the ripple effects of fear on families and local businesses, highlighting the need for ongoing board support.

“My request from the board is to continue highlighting ways to support our immigrant neighbors in Sunset Park,” John said, urging the board to maintain attention on resources and protections for vulnerable residents.

Board members moved through the agenda, reinforcing the board’s ongoing role as a forum where residents and officials can raise and address community concerns, from neighborhood safety to civic engagement.

A central focus of Brooklyn Community Board 7 is community safety, with members regularly examining issues that affect residents’ daily lives.

Robin Aigner, owner of The Cat Cocktail Bar in Sunset Park, also spoke during the meeting, thanking the board for its support.

“I want to thank this board for approving my license and supporting my business,” Aigner stated, noting the importance of local engagement for neighborhood establishments.

Throughout the meeting, residents and board members alike emphasized that active participation is crucial to shaping policies that directly impact daily life in Sunset Park.

The meeting was adjourned, with board members reminding attendees of an upcoming joint committee meeting of the Economic Development and Small Businesses Committee and the Transportation Committee on Tuesday, February 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the CB7 Office (4201 4th Avenue, enter on 43rd Street and 4th Avenue).

The agenda includes a presentation from NYC Planning on the NYC Industrial Plan. Attendees can participate in person or register to attend virtually via Zoom.