Medford council requires police to report ICE operations to council at regular meetings

The Medford City Council on June 10 approved a resolution directing the chief of police to provide after-action reports on Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Medford, amended to request reports at each regular city council meeting.

Councilor Rosario introduced the resolution, saying the council had heard that ICE operations were sometimes known to local police only in vague terms and that after-action reporting would reduce community fear by putting verified information into the public record. “The intention of this resolution is for it to be delivered in person,” Rosario said, noting Chief Robert Buckley was on leave and Captain Paul Covino was serving as acting chief.

Supporters said regular reporting would replace informal rumor networks and give residents verified information. Vice President Collins said the policy “is about getting correct information into the community from a central source instead of continuing to rely on informal networks, hearsay, social media, and rumors.” Councilor Callahan asked that reports be presented at council meetings so they would become part of the public record; Rosario moved and Councilor Callahan seconded an amendment to deliver reports at each regular council meeting.

Some councilors cautioned about limits on local knowledge. Councilor Scarpelli and others said the Medford Police Department is not always informed of federal operations and may not be legally required to receive or share advance details. Captain Paul Covino (acting chief) was cited as the department contact when police policy and safety concerns were discussed; Chief Buckley was described as being on leave.

Members of the public urged the council to proceed. Speakers including residents and local advocates said reporting would help families locate relatives and reduce fear after ICE actions. Several speakers asked for reports to be as frequent and as public as possible.

Outcome: The council approved the resolution as amended (to require reports at each regular council meeting). The motion was made by Councilor Rosario and seconded by Councilor Callahan; the motion passed on a voice vote as recorded in the council meeting minutes.