Residents press Acton board on immigration enforcement; town staff outline protocols for contact with ICE

During public comment at the May 12 Select Board meeting, residents raised concerns about reported Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the region and sought clarification about town police cooperation with other agencies.

A resident who identified herself as Tara of Mast Avenue asked where in town bylaws, charter or board direction the Select Board has authorized town police to respond to requests for assistance by other law‑enforcement agencies, citing a Brookline chief’s agreement referenced in the comment. Tara said she provided the board with legal opinions and asked the town to investigate any policy that would lead officers to respond to federal immigration enforcement requests.

Town staff response and guidance: a staff member providing announcements (Melissa) read vetted guidance prepared by Town Counsel. Melissa described the guidance this way: “ICE agents may enter public areas of municipal facilities without restriction, but they do not have access to non‑public or staff‑only areas unless there is a judicial warrant signed by a judge. They are not to disclose any personal information or records of community members without a valid judicial warrant. If they are presented with a warrant, then they will contact the department head or counsel… staff are not obligated to answer any questions by federal agents without having legal counsel present, and they are expected to document and report the incident.” Melissa said staff will receive training on these procedures.

Board member response: a Select Board member said the town saw a big turnout at a recent rally and requested that the board schedule a future agenda item to sort through the appropriate role of the Select Board, including consultation with Town Counsel. No formal action or directive to change police policy was taken at the meeting; members said they would return to the topic with staff and counsel.