Long Island fire chief accused of storming state lawmaker's office in ICE feud now facing trespassing charge

New York Post

4 days ago

A Democratic Long Island lawmaker is pressing charges against a local fire chief who he claims barged into his office and traumatized his staff after the duo feuded over the fire department's participation in ICE raids earlier this month.
State Assemblyman Phil Ramos has issued a trespass against East Brentwood Fire Chief Bryant Figueroa — meaning he can't go near the office again without being arrested — and formally pressed charges against the volunteer firefighter after a July 10 stand-off following days of public feuding.
'Figueroa's actions represent a clear violation of New York State Penal Law,' Ramos said in a statement announcing that charges against the chief were filed.
3 New York State Assemblyman Phil Ramos has pressed charges against East Brentwood Fire Chief Bryant Figueroa.
'His aggressive and unannounced entry created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty in what should be a safe and respectful workplace.'
A spokesperson for Ramos said the charges have been officially handed over to the DA, but since the violation isn't criminal, Figueroa will only receive a court summons and will not be arrested.
The DA did not respond to a request for confirmation, but Suffolk County police told The Post that charges have not been officially filed, and that the department is still investigating the lawmaker's claims.
But Figueroa shot back at Ramos after learning of the charges, accused him of using his political influence to pressure cops into pursuing baseless charges.
'Assemblyman Phil Ramos filed charges against me — first by approaching the New York State Police in a confrontational manner — when informed that no crime had been committed, he then went to the local precinct, applying pressure in what appears to be a clear abuse of his title and influence,' Figueroa said.
3 Ramos claims Bryant stormed into his office and traumatized his staff after they argued over the fire department's involvement in the ICE raids earlier this month.
East Brentwood Fire Department
'This behavior is deeply troubling, particularly from someone who once wore a badge.'
The political rivalry started in early July, after unmarked ICE agents and vehicles were confirmed to be operating a makeshift base out a local firehouse's parking lot — sparking anger from Ramos who led a protest accusing local fire officials of aiding the feds in their local immigration raids.
East Brentwood's fire officials told The Post they had no prior knowledge of ICE using the fire station's parking lot as a base, adding that as a state entity, it can't stop a federal agency from using the site, which they also said is public property.
After days of public chastising from Ramos, Figueroa showed up to his office 'visibly angry' and 'intent on confrontation,' adding the chief ignored staff and charged toward his private office and forcibly entered, the assemblyman said.
3 In a statement, Ramos said, a clear violation of New York State Penal Law.'
East Brentwood Fire Department
Ramos was not present at the time of the incident, but said his staff is still traumatized from Figueroa's actions.
Local firefighters, however, believe the 'petty' public spat between the pair has gone on far too long and needs to come to an end.
'If I'm honest, neither person is correct in the situation,' one firefighter told The Post under the agreement on anonymity.
'It's very childish from both people involved,' they added.