Residents tell Alleghany commissioners a county official's 'ICE Federal Agent' shirt intimidated protesters and harmed community trust

Several residents used the public comment period of the Alleghany County Board of Commissioners meeting to criticize a county commissioner for wearing an "ICE Federal Agent" shirt while standing at the courthouse during a June political rally.

Carolyn Pruitt, who identified herself as an Alleghany County resident, told the board she attended the June protest and described the incident as inappropriate and potentially illegal if it misrepresented an official capacity. "Wearing an ICE t shirt is inappropriate. It violates ethical standards. It creates a conflict of interest with citizens in Alleghany County," she said, adding that county officials should "avoid any appearance of impropriety."

Trish Gardner, who said she was at the same rally, told commissioners she tried twice to contact the county commissioner she later identified as Greg Walker. "People were intimidated. People were made to feel unsafe," Gardner said. She called on officials to be respectful of protesters' First Amendment rights and to present themselves in ways that do not make members of the public feel threatened.

Barbara Halsey, who described starting a nonprofit called Sparta Forward and raising money for community beautification, also criticized the action and said it harmed local volunteer efforts. Speakers urged commissioners to instead engage in community education and offer assistance with naturalization and immigrant resources rather than wearing clothing that could be read as representing federal authority.

No formal response or disciplinary action was recorded during the meeting; commissioners acknowledged the comments and continued with the agenda.