Protesters in Oswego, New York, disrupted a roughly seven‑hour Border Patrol operation after two men climbed onto the roof of a home on East Seventh Street. More than 50 people amassed outside the residence, and the men later left the scene in waiting vehicles. Firefighters provided a ladder around 5 p.m., but the men refused to descend; officials say the ladder was offered for safety. Local leaders called for calm while emphasizing public safety and order.
Upstate Protesters Thwart Border Patrol Arrests as Two Men Evade Capture in Oswego
Two Men Spared From Border Patrol Arrest By Upstate NY Protesters
Protesters in Oswego, New York, intervened on Wednesday during a multi-hour standoff between U.S. Border Patrol agents and two men who climbed onto the roof of a private home. The confrontation lasted about seven hours and ended with the men leaving the scene in waiting vehicles after more than 50 people gathered outside the residence on East Seventh Street.
Standoff and Community Response
Oswego police say officers initially responded to reports of a reckless driver and were led to the private home, where Border Patrol's Targeted Enforcement Division was attempting to serve federal judicial warrants. The specific charges tied to the warrants have not been released, according to CNYCentral and a police statement.
During the operation, more than 50 residents and protesters assembled in front of the house, effectively blocking the agents' efforts to make arrests. Witnesses reported the crowd confronted journalists at the scene, with some people throwing articles of clothing onto camera lenses and demanding reporters stop filming.
Fire Department Response
Around 5 p.m., the Oswego Fire Department set up a ladder to allow the two men to climb down safely. The men declined to use the ladder and pushed it away from the rooftop edge; firefighters subsequently withdrew from the immediate area and later retrieved the equipment after the incident concluded.
"I want to be clear that our efforts last evening were for safety first and not an effort to apprehend individuals," Oswego Fire Chief Paul Conzone said. "Once we provided the ladder to safely assist the individuals on the roof, we cleared the scene and only returned to retrieve our ladder once the incident concluded."
Aftermath and Official Remarks
Hours after the crowd gathered, Border Patrol discontinued the arrest attempt. When the standoff ended, the two men were no longer on the roof and reportedly left in waiting cars, CNYCentral reported.
Oswego Mayor Robert A. Corradino urged calm in a statement: "I recognize that incidents involving federal agencies can generate strong emotions. Even so, our responsibility as a city is clear: we protect our residents, safeguard our neighborhoods, and maintain order." He added that the community had demonstrated a commitment to safety and civility.
Reporting references: Oswego Police Department statement and CNYCentral.
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