Cheektowaga board adopts resolution limiting local role in civil immigration enforcement
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Summary
On Feb. 24 the Cheektowaga Town Board unanimously adopted Resolution 20-26-92, directing the Cheektowaga Police Department not to use town personnel or resources for civil immigration enforcement except as legally required; sponsors and residents framed the measure as protecting trust and avoiding costly litigation.
The Cheektowaga Town Board on Feb. 24 unanimously adopted Resolution 20-26-92, a town policy that says town personnel, facilities, equipment and information should not be used for civil immigration enforcement except when required by judicial warrant, court order or applicable law.
Supporters said the resolution is intended to protect community trust and limit the town’s exposure to litigation. Council member (sponsor) comments noted they had met with the police chief and residents before the vote. "I've met with the chief. I met with a couple officers. I met with residents on both sides of this topic, and I feel my concerns were addressed, questions were answered, and I'm ready to pass it," one board member said during debate.
The resolution text states the Cheektowaga Police Department shall continue to prioritize public safety, criminal law enforcement and community protection in accordance with established patrol and investigative policies, and "officers shall not enforce civil immigration status except where required by judicial warrant, court order, or verified criminal warrant." It also says the town shall not authorize, fund or permit the use of town personnel, resources, facilities, equipment or information for civil immigration enforcement, including actions requested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, except when legally mandated or in the interest of public safety.
Residents who spoke during public comment urged passage. Dan Ganovetsky said the measure was modest and asked the board to "please vote yes" so town officers would prioritize citizen safety and not assist in civil immigration enforcement. Other speakers warned of legal exposure if the town assisted federal immigration actions.
Board members who had previously asked to table the resolution said further internal discussion addressed their concerns and they supported moving forward. The chair called the question and the measure "carried unanimously."
Next steps: the resolution was adopted as a town policy; the town will continue its internal communication with the police department and staff to ensure the policy aligns with state law and department procedures.