Council gives ‘leave to withdraw’ on resolution about cooperation with ICE after heated public debate

The Holyoke City Council on Oct. 7 voted to give an order regarding municipal communication with federal immigration authorities a leave to withdraw after a lengthy public-comment period and a divided committee recommendation.

Why it matters: The order had asked city departments to use a council-provided resolution when applying for federal funds and to transmit the resolution to the Department of Homeland Security and federal delegation. Residents and councilors argued about whether the written language could unintentionally expose city employees to federal requirements and whether the order matched its stated intent.

Public speakers urged caution or rejection. Several speakers called Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) “lawless” and asked the council not to make it easier for federal agencies to target immigrants; others urged the council to adopt measures to protect residents’ due-process rights. Speakers repeatedly warned that written language that extended federal enforcement expectations to “all employees and agents” could have broad and unintended consequences for staff beyond public safety, including school and public-works employees.

In committee: The committee on Development, Government Relations and Neighborhoods (DGNR) recommended giving the order leave to withdraw after a lengthy discussion and community turnout; the committee report that came to the full council said community representatives did not broadly support the specific text and suggested rewriting or pursuing a different resolution.

Council action: During the full meeting a motion to give the order leave to withdraw was moved and seconded; the council then took a roll-call vote and approved the committee recommendation by a 7–6 margin. Several councilors who supported withdrawal said they had concerns about the written language and preferred to pursue a clearer, narrower measure that would not alter local policing roles. Councilors who opposed withdrawal argued they filed the order to protect the city’s fiscal interests and to make clear the city complies with all laws while seeking an explanation from federal agencies when a municipality is placed on any federal list.

What’s next: The committee recommended a leave to withdraw so the item can be rewritten and reconsidered. Councilors and community members said they will work on alternative language that clarifies the city’s position on cooperation with federal immigration authorities without expanding obligations for nonpublic-safety employees.