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Residents ask Hickory City Council to clarify local response after reports of ICE activity
Summary
Several residents urged Hickory's council to hold a public forum and clarify what the city can do after reports of ICE activity in the area; a council member said he contacted the city manager and police chief, who "assured me that ... no incidents took place in our city."
Multiple residents used the council's public-comment period on Nov. 18 to express fear about reported Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the region and to ask the council to clarify its stance and protections.
Park Englefield, a recent mayoral candidate, said residents had told him they were fearful and confused and asked the council directly, "Are you listening?" He urged the council to "hold a public forum on community safety and the presence of federal agencies in our area," inviting experts and public questions.
Kimberly Chart said the Cabot County sheriff had announced ICE activity "coming into our community this week," adding that children and parents are frightened and that the city should consider a resolution opposing such operations.
A council member who identified himself as a pastor said he "immediately called the city manager, and he got in contact with the chief of police. They assured me that ... no incidents took place in our city," and that officers were focused on individuals with immigration-related warrants.
Council members did not take formal action at the meeting beyond the assurance that staff had been contacted; council and staff agreed to continue monitoring the situation and to clarify for residents what local law enforcement can and cannot do relative to federal authorities.
