Dozens of residents and faith leaders told the Milford Board of Selectmen on July 14 they were alarmed by recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the town and asked the board to act as a moral voice even where legal authority is limited. Speakers said the involvement of local police with ICE operations has sent a message that undermines trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement.

“Seeing our blue lights of our town assisting ICE in their work in our town … makes it difficult for our immigrant community to feel safe,” said Hank Junkan of the Souhegan Valley Granite State Organizing Project during public comment. He described a local family’s experience and urged the board to press for “due process.”

The Rev. Edward Frost, priest in charge at Church of Our Savior, criticized federal agents operating in plain clothes and wearing face coverings and urged the board to press for federal officers to be identifiable: “Every law enforcement officer serves the public and must be identifiable in order to be held accountable for their actions.” He said he was concerned that the tactics could erode trust in local policing.

Lynn Lippett, a member of the Souhegan Valley organizing chapter, said use of heavily armed, masked teams was not consistent with Milford’s community policing and increased fear among immigrants, including legal immigrants and those with court dates. Mary Burdette described people who are following court processes being detained and said many immigrants pay taxes while not receiving certain benefits.

Selectmen said their powers are limited. Selectman Paul Darje told the meeting the board cannot invalidate “287(g)” agreements and that those arrangements are within police authority. Several speakers asked the board to use its influence to contact state or federal representatives, to demand identification and transparency from federal agents, and to consider nonbinding statements of concern.

No formal board action was taken during public comment. Chair Gary Daniels acknowledged the concerns and explained legal limits on the selectmen’s authority, while several residents said they would pursue outreach to state and federal officials.

The board’s minutes show the selectmen discussed the matter informally during the meeting and confirmed the chair will forward community concerns to appropriate parties. Residents also asked police leadership to publish guidance on when and how Milford officers respond to federal immigration requests.

The discussion ended without policy change; speakers said they plan further organizing and outreach to state lawmakers.