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Resident urges county action to protect migrant workers who support local agriculture and tourism
Summary
A resident urged the board to issue a public statement recognizing migrant workers’ role, to direct county departments not to ask immigration status when not legally required, and to distribute know‑your‑rights materials in Spanish and English.
During public comment, Helen Furr of Colington urged Dare County commissioners to take steps to protect migrant workers who supply essential labor in agriculture, seafood, hospitality and construction. Furr asked the board to adopt a public statement recognizing migrant workers’ role, instruct county departments not to request immigration status unless legally required, distribute know‑your‑rights materials in Spanish and English, and encourage local law enforcement to focus on community safety rather than federal immigration enforcement.
“My name is Helen Furr ... migrant workers are essential to that workforce,” Furr said, citing fear among workers that is affecting attendance and community cohesion. She asked commissioners to consider practical steps to support and protect workers and said she was asking the board “to consider some practical steps to support and protect the people who keep Dare County running.”
Why it matters: The request concerns the delivery of local services, civil‑service interactions and community safety and could require board direction to county departments if the board chooses to act.
What’s next: No formal board action was recorded; the item was presented as public comment for board consideration.
