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Resident says council remarks were ‘degrading’; council members and police respond
Summary
During public comment former council member Juan Morales criticized remarks made at a previous meeting and urged leaders to condemn degrading language; council members pledged to do better and the public safety committee summarized police outreach clarifying the department’s role on immigration matters.
Juan Morales, a Mount Vernon resident and former city council member, used his Feb. 12 public comment to challenge remarks he said were made at the Jan. 22 council meeting and to urge the council to publicly reject degrading language.
“This was explicitly clear, it was explicitly heard at the council meeting, it was disturbing, it was degrading,” Morales said. He told council members silence or laughter in response to the earlier remark erodes trust and confidence in city leadership.
Council members responded directly during the council‑comment portion of the meeting. Council member Melissa Beaton said she felt uncomfortable and promised to “do better.” Another council member thanked Morales for raising the issue and urged kindness, empathy and community outreach so vulnerable residents feel safe calling the police when needed.
Mary Hudson, reporting for the public safety committee, said Police Chief Christman and the mayor produced a YouTube video explaining the Mount Vernon Police Department’s role and how it differs from federal immigration enforcement. Hudson said the chief also posted a bilingual letter explaining local responsibilities and that a community meeting hosted by the Kolschien community group drew more than 100 attendees with questions about immigration enforcement.
Hudson described enforcement activity in the North River commercial area and collaboration with businesses to address trespassing and theft; she reported 71 arrests during a nine‑day emphasis that included drugs, theft and possession of stolen property. She said Citizens on Proactive Patrol (COPP) volunteers have been picking up abandoned shopping carts and supporting district enforcement efforts.
No formal policy changes or council motions on immigration enforcement were made at the Feb. 12 meeting. Several council members asked staff to place follow-up discussion on committee agendas and to continue public outreach.
Morales closed his remarks urging leadership and character in public speech and council members acknowledged the concern and directed staff to follow up with appropriate committees.
