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Public raises concerns over ICE memorandum of agreement; police chief says program targets criminal aliens
Summary
Dozens of residents spoke against a memorandum of agreement between the Ocala Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, citing due-process and trust concerns; Chief Mike Balkan told council the program is focused on criminal subjects and can be terminated by the city.
Dozens of residents addressed the Ocala City Council on May 20, 2025, to oppose a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Ocala Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The meeting featured lengthy public comment from residents, activists and local workers, and a presentation from Police Chief Mike Balkan clarifying how his department will use the agreement.
Speakers at the public-comment portion repeatedly expressed concern that local officers would be empowered to question or detain people ‘‘believed to be an alien’’ without judicial oversight. David Boston, a local resident, said the MOA ‘‘drags our beloved city directly into the heart…
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