DeKalb committee delays resolution condemning ICE raids for two weeks; unanimously adopts Black History Month observance

The DeKalb County Planning, Economic Development and Community Services Committee on Feb. 4 deferred for two weeks a countywide resolution condemning U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids held Jan. 26, 2025, so the law department can review the measure and work with the sponsor on language.

County Attorney Welsher told the committee, “We're taking a very close look at this. We would ask for a 2 week deferral on this to allow us to, take a hard look, work with the sponsoring commissioner to make sure we can meet her goals, and make sure we stay in line with, active state and, federal legislation on these same matters.”

Commissioner Long Spears, the sponsor of the resolution, said the measure is intended to “ensure we take care of all of DeKalb County's residents,” adding that the resolution affirms the county’s “commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the safety of all of our residents.” Spears made the motion to defer the item two weeks; the committee approved the deferral.

Commissioner Ladina Bolton relayed a constituent suggestion and asked why the draft did not include the word “equity.” Bolton said a resident had asked, “why isn't equity included, commitment to diversity, why not equity, inclusion, and the safety of all residents?” Commissioner Long Spears said she was open to including that language and asked counsel to note the suggestion.

Separately, the committee approved a two-week deferral for three remaining agenda items — including an ordinance to amend the DeKalb County Code, Chapter 16, concerning regulation of sound — so the sponsoring commissioner and the attorney who drafted the ordinance can be present for committee consideration. The motion to defer items 15, 17 and 1137 for two weeks passed without recorded opposition.

The committee also considered a walk-on resolution from Commissioner Nicole Messiah to continue observing and celebrating Black History Month. Messiah, who serves as chair of the committee, said the resolution was intended to “value and respect the contributions of black history and of African Americans who have contributed to ... history and all of their developments.” The committee moved to approve the walk-on resolution, and members voted in favor.

Votes at a glance: • Item 2025-0204, resolution condemning ICE raids (all commission districts) — Motion to defer for two weeks to allow law department review and sponsor revisions; outcome: deferred. Legal review requested by County Attorney Welsher; sponsor: Commissioner Long Spears. Specific vote tally not specified in the transcript. • Ordinance to amend DeKalb County Code, Chapter 16 (sound regulation) — Deferred two weeks along with items 17 and 1137 so the sponsoring commissioner and drafting attorney can present; outcome: deferred. Specific vote tally not specified. • Walk-on resolution (District 3) to continue observing Black History Month — Moved by the sponsor and approved by the committee; outcome: approved. Specific vote tally not specified. • Approval of committee minutes (Item 176) — Approved. Specific vote tally not specified.

The committee chair, Commissioner Nicole Messiah, thanked committee members and attendees before adjourning the meeting. The minutes and votes recorded in the meeting transcript do not include roll-call tallies; recorded responses were vocal approvals ("Aye").