Several speakers during public comment on June 3 told the Poughkeepsie Common Council that recent federal statements and media coverage listing sanctuary jurisdictions had alarmed immigrant and minority residents. Commenters asked how the city would protect residents and whether the council would take action to oppose federal steps they described as punitive.

Daniel Latona, a Ward 8 community organizer and candidate for council, urged the city to defend its local safe-city law and publicly provide “know your rights” information to immigrant residents. Latona said the REST Act would help tenants and that municipal protections are important as federal enforcement rhetoric increases.

Another commenter, identified in the transcript as Miss Nat, said the Department of Homeland Security’s published list includes Poughkeepsie and neighboring jurisdictions and framed the federal actions as a threat to civil rights. She asked how the council would respond and said immigrant and LGBTQ+ residents were fearful.

Several council members responded during their remarks. Councilmember Menace said the city has been a sanctuary jurisdiction since 2017 and stated, “We do not cooperate with ICE.” He encouraged residents to contact the council for help and said the city is an ally for immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities. Menace added that he hears concerns from residents who are afraid to leave home because of federal immigration enforcement.

The council did not announce new policy measures at the June 3 meeting, but multiple members used their floor time to reiterate support for sanctuary protections and asked staff and community groups to suggest ways the city could provide resources to at-risk residents.

No formal vote or ordinance change regarding sanctuary policy took place at the meeting.