ITHACA, N.Y. — Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnam made an unannounced visit to downtown Ithaca on Thursday, stopping at the Handwork Gallery to purchase local crafts. Accompanied by his wife and protected by a significant law enforcement presence, including Department of Homeland Security vehicles and Cornell University police, Tharman browsed and bought jewelry, scarves, hairpins, and cards from local artisans.
The visit came during a working trip to the U.S. from Dec. 4-10, during which Tharman received a financial policy research award at MIT and attended a Group of 30 meeting at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. His son attends Cornell University, which may have influenced the stop in Ithaca.
The heavy security presence initially raised concerns among local advocates about a possible immigration enforcement operation, but officials clarified the law enforcement was providing protection for the foreign dignitary. The gallery staff said they were not notified in advance of the visit but described Tharman as friendly and engaged during his shopping.