Residents urge Worcester council to hold town hall and avoid cooperation with ICE
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Summary
Nine residents and community leaders told the council they fear federal immigration enforcement activity in the community and requested a public town hall, that the city decline 287(g) or similar agreements, that jail space not be made available to ICE, and that the council pass a resolution reaffirming community protections.
Nine community members addressed the Worcester City Council on March 2 during the miscellaneous public-comment period to urge city action on federal immigration enforcement activity.
Keefer Dillard opened the topic, describing recent local protests and rising community concern about DHS and ICE presence and asking the city to convene a town hall with the mayor and other officials to explain local policy and response. Several speakers, including students, ministry staff, and long-term residents, urged the council not to enter or renew 287(g)-style agreements that would obligate local law enforcement to assist federal immigration enforcement, to refuse to provide jail space or sell buildings to federal immigration authorities, and to consider a city resolution that reaffirms community values and protections.
Speakers recounted fears about warrantless detentions, racial profiling and family separations. Ed Burns and other commenters cited national examples of enforcement operations and urged local measures to avoid similar outcomes. Abby Fisher, who said she runs a downtown mental-health practice, described clients who are frightened and encouraged council members to reach out to community groups and service providers. Several speakers referenced the College of Wooster and other institutions with immigrant communities as particularly affected.
Council members thanked speakers for exercising free-speech rights, said they appreciated the concerns and requested staff follow-up and further discussion. Miss Wharton said the city should make current policies public and consider an initial step at the state level (a pending bill about face-covering by federal officers). Multiple council members encouraged further dialogue with the police chief and administration and indicated interest in scheduling a public meeting to discuss local policies.
No formal council action was taken at the conclusion of public comment; comments were limited to two minutes per speaker per the council's stated rules.
The public-comment thread is likely to prompt follow-up from the administration or a future agenda item given multiple council members said they were open to additional discussion and public engagement.