The Wythe County Board of Supervisors convened on November 26, 2024, to address pressing community concerns, including crime and immigration policy. The meeting featured two notable public comments that highlighted local issues affecting residents.

The first speaker, a farmer from Max Meadows, expressed deep frustration over ongoing criminal activity in his neighborhood, particularly drug-related offenses. He recounted a recent incident where thieves stole approximately $7,000 worth of property from his farm while he was without power due to Hurricane Elaine. The speaker described the alarming presence of drug activity in the area, noting that it has driven away decent neighbors and created a sense of intimidation. He called for stronger local action against these issues, suggesting that the judicial system's current "catch and release" policy is ineffective. He urged the board to direct his concerns to state representatives, emphasizing the need for more robust measures to combat crime.

The second speaker, Andrew Russell, addressed the economic implications of immigration policy in Wythe County. He highlighted the significant role that immigrant workers play in various sectors, including agriculture and construction. Russell argued that efforts to deport undocumented workers could jeopardize the local economy and food supply. He presented statistics indicating that immigrants are arrested at lower rates for violent and property crimes compared to native-born citizens, challenging the narrative that associates immigration with increased crime. He urged the board to oppose exclusionary federal policies and to recognize the contributions of the immigrant community to society.

Following these comments, the board acknowledged the concerns raised and indicated that they would guide the speakers toward appropriate state-level representatives who could address their issues more effectively. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue discussions on these critical topics in future sessions.